While there may soon be a vote in the House on the Take Care of America’s Veteran’s Act (which includes changes to how sleep apnea and tinnitus are rated), the Senate Democrat website notes they wrote a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collin:
“We write in strong opposition to a proposed reduction in benefits for more than one million veterans suffering from sleep apnea and tinnitus outlined in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) draft rule entitled “Schedule for Rating Disabilities–Ear, Nose, Throat, and Audiology Disabilities; Special Provisions Regarding Evaluation of Respiratory Conditions; Respiratory System” (RIN: 2900-AQ72). We urge you to listen to the growing opposition from veterans and publicly commit to addressing their concerns.”
The Senators continued, “Along with the draft rule, we are equally opposed to the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act because it codifies the same harmful reductions in benefits for veterans with tinnitus and sleep apnea benefits. By writing these cuts into statute, the legislation would permanently implement the very policies that veterans, medical experts, and veterans service organizations have overwhelmingly opposed. Whether implemented through regulation or enacted by Congress, these cuts would strip disabled veterans of earned compensation and health care benefits – they should be rejected outright.”
Would you like to read Dr. Finnerty’s 2022 public comments opposing the changes proposed to the sleep apnea rating? You can view those here: https://nexusletters.com/2022/03/04/dr-finnertys-public-comments-on-proposed-changes-to-the-sleep-apnea-rating/