4 Changes to Keep an Eye on in 2026! The Veterans Affairs (VA) is pushing forward in 2026

Summary

In this video, key updates to veterans' benefits and services for 2026 are discussed. The topics include a 2.8% COLA raise for veterans, major improvements to VA healthcare systems, changes to educational benefits such as in-state tuition for reservists, and required insurance reviews. Additionally, upcoming rating schedule changes are highlighted, especially regarding tinnitus and sleep apnea. The speaker stresses the importance of reviewing ratings and considering secondary conditions to maximize benefits, offering free consultations for veterans seeking assistance with claims.

Takeaways

• 😀 COLA increase of 2.8% was effective December 1, 2025, with payments reflecting in January 2026. Veterans should check their pay against the VA disability compensation rating schedule to ensure accuracy.
• 😀 The VA has implemented significant changes to the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to streamline management and reduce bureaucracy. This includes an overhaul of its electronic health record (EHR) system.
• 😀 The VA paused its EHR rollout in the past due to significant issues, such as incorrect data and medication errors, but is now proceeding with a new system set to go live in April 2026 at select sites in Michigan.
• 😀 Veterans should expect potential glitches in prescriptions or healthcare services as the VA transitions to the new EHR system, so they must verify their medical treatments and prescriptions.
• 😀 Starting August 1, 2026, reservists using the Montgomery GI Bill will qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges, expanding educational benefits for veterans.
• 😀 Life insurance coverage under SGLI and VGLI will require a review every five years beginning January 1, 2026, to ensure that coverage amounts align with the consumer price index.
• 😀 The VA is proposing changes to its rating schedule for four categories: auditory, respiratory, mental health, and neurological conditions, with some changes potentially taking place in 2026.
• 😀 Tinnitus may no longer be rated as a standalone 10% disability in the new rating schedule and could be classified as a symptom of hearing loss, which could affect new claims.
• 😀 Veterans with sleep apnea may see rating changes focusing more on daily functioning rather than just CPAP usage. Existing ratings are expected to be grandfathered in, but new claims may face different criteria.
• 😀 Veterans are encouraged to review their current ratings and secondary conditions, as missing any potential service connections could result in missed opportunities for increased ratings or benefits.
• 😀 Evidence-based VA claims offers free consultations to help veterans review their disability ratings and pursue claims for secondary conditions, with a money-back guarantee for a positive outcome.

Q & A

What is the cost of living adjustment (COLA) for veterans in 2025, and when was it implemented?

The COLA for veterans in 2025 was a 2.8% increase. It was implemented on December 1, 2025, with payments made at the end of December, typically received before January 1st.

What are some of the changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system in 2026?

The VA is undergoing a massive restructuring of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to streamline management and reduce bureaucracy. They are also rolling out a new Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, starting in April 2026 with four sites in Michigan.

What is the significance of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) roll-out by the VA?

The EHR system is a major part of the VA's efforts to modernize healthcare. After an initial failed attempt, the system is being re-launched in 2026, beginning with 13 sites, to improve healthcare operations for veterans. However, the transition may cause temporary disruptions.

What is the key change in education and insurance benefits for veterans in 2026?

Starting August 1, 2026, reservists using the Montgomery GI Bill Selective Reserve will qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges. Additionally, life insurance coverage under SGLI and VGLI will be reviewed every five years to ensure coverage is adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index.

What changes are expected in the VA's rating schedule for 2026?

The VA is likely to introduce changes to the rating schedules for auditory, respiratory, mental health, and neurological conditions. These updates may impact how certain conditions are rated, particularly tinnitus and sleep apnea.

Why might veterans be concerned about the proposed changes to the tinnitus rating schedule?

Tinnitus might be rated as a symptom of hearing loss rather than as a standalone condition, potentially reducing the compensation veterans receive for this condition. However, veterans with non-compensable hearing loss may still receive a 10% rating for tinnitus.

How will the VA handle veterans who are already receiving a tinnitus rating if the proposed changes take effect?

Veterans who already have a tinnitus rating will not be impacted by the changes. The new changes will only affect those who file for tinnitus after the new rules are implemented.

What should veterans do if they believe their tinnitus is related to hearing loss?

Veterans should file for a tinnitus rating if they have not done so already, especially if they have non-compensable hearing loss. Doing so could ensure they receive compensation before the rating changes.

How is sleep apnea expected to be rated under the new schedule in 2026?

The VA may focus more on how sleep apnea affects daily functioning rather than just the use of a CPAP machine. Veterans who already have sleep apnea ratings are expected to be grandfathered in, but those filing after the changes might be rated differently.

What advice is given to veterans regarding sleep apnea claims before the rating changes?

Veterans are advised to file for sleep apnea claims now, especially if they believe their condition is related to PTSD or another service-connected condition. Filing early could ensure they receive the maximum rating, as waiting may result in a lower rating.