VA halts enforcement of new benefits rule amid widespread backlash from veterans nationwide

The Department of Veterans Affairs has halted enforcement of a new rule for determining disability payments amid widespread outrage from veterans who claimed it would likely reduce benefits. The rule change was met with intense criticism from veterans' groups and lawmakers, who argued that the changes were too broad and could result in unnecessary denials of benefits. The halt comes after a significant backlash against the new policy, which aimed to streamline the appeals process but left many feeling it would unfairly penalize those seeking compensation. The VA has not provided further explanation for why enforcement is being halted.