What recent VA policy changes have happened that might affect me?

Last Updated: 7/11/2025

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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) frequently updates its policies, which can directly impact your benefits, healthcare access and financial stability. Understanding these changes is essential, as they may affect your eligibility for increased compensation, expanded healthcare services or improved benefits processing.

If any of these updates apply to your situation, contact Allsup Veterans Appeals^℠ (AVA) to discuss whether a decision review is in order to ensure you are receiving all the benefits you have earned.

What are the recent changes to the HUD-VASH Program?

The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program provides housing assistance to homeless veterans through a collaboration between the VA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The following are recent changes to HUD-VASH:

• Expanded eligibility for more at-risk veterans, including those with service-connected disabilities.
• Increased funding for mental health, substance use treatment and employment assistance.

More veterans can now qualify for affordable, stable housing and additional support services making it easier to transition to long-term housing. If you are facing housing insecurity, you can apply for HUD-VASH benefits through your local VA social worker.

How has my VA disability rating potentially changed?

The VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) is periodically updated to reflect medical advancements and ensure fair compensation. Recently, changes were made to the rating system for digestive conditions.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcers have updated rating criteria.
• Symptoms and frequency of flare-ups now carry more weight in determining disability ratings.

With these changes, if you were previously denied or had a lower-rated claim, you may now qualify for an increased rating. If your symptoms have worsened, you can request a re-evaluation of your disability rating. If your digestive condition is service-connected, it's important to review your current rating and consider filing an appeal for an increase.

Am I eligible for the 2024 expansion of VA healthcare?

In 2024, the VA expanded healthcare eligibility, making more veterans eligible for medical treatment and services. This included:

• Broader eligibility for post-9/11 and Gulf War veterans who may not have previously qualified.
• Expanded services, including preventative care and specialty treatments.

If you are newly eligible after these changes, check your VA healthcare eligibility status through VA.gov and apply for VA healthcare to ensure access to the latest medical services. You can apply online or at a VA medical center/clinic, or through a VSO, social worker or case manager.

How will the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) impact me?

Each year, the VA implements a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to ensure that veterans' compensation keeps pace with inflation.

The increase for 2025 is 2.5%. VA disability payments and pension benefits will rise accordingly. Veterans receiving disability compensation, as well as survivors and dependents receiving VA benefits all qualify for the COLA increase. This is on top of the previous 3.2% adjustment for 2024.

What should I do if these changes affect me?

If any of these policy updates apply to your situation, take action now. Review your current VA benefits to determine if any of the changes apply to you, contact Allsup Veterans Appeals^℠.

Allsup Veterans Appeals (AVA) provides expert guidance to help you secure the benefits you've earned through your service. Since 2012, AVA has delivered VA appeals representation focused on the unique needs of veterans.

Our VA-accredited Claims Agents, some of whom are veterans themselves, have extensive knowledge and understanding of the VA process. We know what it takes to create an accurate, successful claim.

Working with AVA means you will receive expert guidance, precise submission of your appeal, handling of complex processes, communication with the VA and the support you need.