Proposed VA Rating Reduction? Here’s What to Do Next

When you receive a proposed VA rating reduction after spending months or years securing your mental health disability rating, it can feel like a punch to the gut. Not only does it affect your monthly compensation, but it may also feel like the VA is questioning the reality of your condition.

The good news is that you have options, and you’re not alone. Many veterans have their ratings reduced incorrectly due to rushed evaluations, insufficient evidence reviews, or a misunderstanding of how their symptoms impact their daily lives. In this post, we’ll explain why these reductions happen, how to challenge them, and what kind of documentation can protect your benefits—especially when it comes to mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety.

Why Would the VA Propose a Rating Reduction?

There are several reasons the VA may lower a disability rating—but not all of them are justified. Some reductions are valid and based on improved functioning. But others are based on flawed C&P exams, outdated information, or a lack of clear documentation.

The VA may propose to reduce your rating if:

• A recent Compensation & Pension (C&P) exam suggests your symptoms have improved
  
• You missed a scheduled exam, leading the VA to assume your condition has stabilized
  
• Your symptoms appear less frequent or severe in recent records
  
• You’ve been receiving treatment, and the VA misinterprets that as “improvement” rather than managed but ongoing symptoms
  

But keep this in mind: symptom management is not the same as recovery. Veterans living with PTSD, depression, or anxiety may show some functional improvement without their underlying condition going away.

Know Your Rights in a Proposed VA Rating Reduction

When the VA proposes a rating reduction, it doesn’t happen immediately. You’ll receive a notice of proposed reduction, which gives you 60 days to respond with evidence and 30 days to request a hearing.

Important: If you don’t respond during this window, the reduction can take effect automatically—even if it’s incorrect.

You have the right to:

• Submit medical evidence showing your condition has not improved
  
• Request a hearing to present your case in person
  
• Challenge the VA’s rationale, especially if the C&P exam was inadequate or rushed
  

How the VA Decides on Mental Health Rating Reductions

VA mental health ratings are based on how your symptoms affect your ability to function in daily life, including work, relationships, and self-care. Ratings are issued at 0%, 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, or 100%, and reductions typically involve a move from a higher tier (e.g., 70%) to a lower one (e.g., 50%).

If you were rated at 70% for severe symptoms like suicidal ideation, panic attacks, or major occupational and social impairment, and the VA suddenly drops you to 30% based on a brief C&P exam, it’s worth asking:

• Did the examiner conduct a full diagnostic interview?
  
• Did they review your full medical and service records?
  
• Did they ask about symptoms that fluctuate day to day or appear with specific triggers?
  

If the answer is no, the decision may not be valid—and an Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) could be your strongest ally.

Using an IMO to Challenge a Proposed VA Rating Reduction

A properly documented IMO can refute a rating reduction by providing a full, independent evaluation of your condition. Unlike VA C&P exams, which are often brief and checklist-driven, IMOs conducted by trained, trauma-informed professionals can give your case the depth it deserves.

As explained in our blog “Independent Medical Opinions Increase Your Chances of Success”, a high-quality IMO includes:

• A current DSM-5 diagnosis
  
• A full record review and in-depth interview
  
• A clearly stated nexus connecting your condition to your service
  
• Language that aligns with VA rating criteria
  
• Evidence of ongoing symptoms, even if you’ve developed coping strategies
  

If you’re unsure whether an IMO or a DBQ (Disability Benefits Questionnaire) is right for your case, we break it down in “Do You Need an Independent Medical Opinion or DBQ?”

Steps to Take After a Proposed VA Rating Reduction Notice

1. Read the VA Letter Thoroughly

Identify why they’re proposing the reduction, what evidence they’re using, and whether a new exam was part of the decision.

2. Act Within the Timeline

You have 60 days to respond with evidence and 30 days to request a hearing. Don’t delay—missing these deadlines can allow the VA to finalize a reduction you could have stopped. For a full overview of your appeal options, visit the VA’s official Decision Review page.

3. Request a Hearing (if needed)

Hearings give you a chance to explain your symptoms face-to-face and share the daily impact your condition still has.

4. Secure an IMO if the C&P Exam Was Inadequate

If your reduction is based on a single exam that doesn’t reflect your full condition, an IMO can help.

5. Gather Statements and Evidence

• Personal statements describing how your condition affects daily life
  
• Letters from family, friends, or coworkers who witness your symptoms
  
• Past treatment records that show ongoing impairment
  

6. Work With a VSO or Accredited Rep

Representation can help you respond appropriately and flag procedural errors the VA may have made.

Can the VA Propose a Rating Reduction Without an Exam?

In most cases, no. The VA is required to complete an exam before reducing a rating unless:

• You failed to show up to an exam without good cause. This is a critical point. If the VA schedules a reexamination and you fail to attend without a valid reason, they can proceed with a rating reduction based on the existing evidence in your file. This is why it’s so important to attend or reschedule any appointments the VA sends you.
• Your rating was temporary and marked for re-evaluation. This is a common scenario. If your initial rating decision indicated that your condition was “temporary” and a future re-examination was required (often within 2-5 years), the VA can reduce your rating if the new exam or review of your medical records shows improvement.
• There is compelling evidence of sustained improvement in your records. While a new exam is the most common trigger for a proposed reduction, the VA can also initiate one if they receive new medical evidence (such as from a VA or private doctor) that clearly shows your condition has significantly improved. This could happen if you are receiving treatment that has been very successful and your medical records reflect that.

If you do not fall into one of these categories, and your reduction occurred without an exam, or if the exam was clearly insufficient, you can argue that your due process rights were violated.

Why VMHA Helps Veterans Fight Proposed VA Rating Reductions

At VMHA, our mission is to increase the quality of life and mental health of our veteran community. That means not only helping veterans establish claims—but also defending those benefits when they’re put at risk.

Here’s what makes VMHA different:

• In-house, licensed providers, not a contractor network
  
• Built-in QA checks to ensure evaluations are complete, compliant, and specific to VA requirements
  
• Transparent pricing—flat fees, no back charges, no upsells
  
• Selective intake—we won’t take on your case unless we believe we can help
  
• VA-trusted reports—the VA has provided positive feedback on our evaluations
  

Final Thoughts

If your VA mental health rating has been reduced, you have every right to challenge that decision. Your symptoms don’t disappear just because you’ve learned to survive with them. The law says the VA can only reduce a rating when your condition has actually improved, and only after giving you a fair opportunity to respond.

An Independent Medical Opinion for VA claims may be your best path to restoring your rightful rating—and the stability that comes with it.

You served. We’re here to help you fight for the benefits you’ve earned.