'We're not idiots': GOP under fire as it walks back major change to veterans' health care

The Trump administration kicked a hornet's nest this month when officials moved to change health coverage rules for veterans' benefits in a way that would potentially roll back disability status from thousands of retired servicemembers — and now they're trying to walk back that policy change.

However, prominent lawmakers and veterans' groups were not persuaded by the new update.

The rule change, which was proposed by right-wing think tanks during the 2024 election, would change the rules around disability ratings so that if the symptoms are well-managed on medication, the disability is downgraded. It was a direct move to reverse Jones v. Shinseki, "a 2012 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims that held that the VA could not factor in medication's benefits unless the specific rating criteria for that condition mentioned medication," reported Military.com.

Secretary of Veterans' Affairs Doug Collins took to X amid bipartisan backlash to try to calm the anger.

"Effective immediately, VA is halting enforcement of the interim final rule, Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication," wrote Collins. "VA issued the rule to clarify existing policy and protect Veterans’ benefits in the wake of an ongoing court action. But many interpreted the rule as something that could result in adverse consequences. While VA does not agree with the way this rule has been characterized, the department always takes Veterans’ concerns seriously. To alleviate these concerns, VA will continue to collect public comments regarding the rule, but it will not be enforced at any time in the future."

While many cheered this development, many also warned this wasn't actually a full reversal by the Trump administration — at least, not yet.

"The VA is backtracking because veterans made it clear: we won’t tolerate policies that hurt those who served," wrote Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). "I’ll keep fighting until the rule is gone for good. 'Halting enforcement' is not the same as repealing it completely."

"You called our concerns 'fake news' just yesterday," wrote Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). "You're backtracking because you know this new rule could hurt our heroes' access to care, and Veterans across the country called you on your b-------. If you take Veterans' concerns seriously, you'd rescind the rule entirely."

"No one misinterpreted this at all," wrote Missouri Democratic congressional candidate Fred Wellman. "It’s right out of Project 2025. Collins thought he could sneak it in and we wouldn’t notice. Just like he is dismantling the VA and lying right to our faces. He keeps forgetting we have had to fight for decades for our benefits and he’s just the latest political tool trying to save money on our broken bodies. He also forgets that his agency is staffed by people who are veterans or passionate about our lives. We are not idiots to be manipulated."

"The veteran community forced this retreat," wrote the account for the House Veterans Affairs Committee Democrats. "A tweet is not a rescission. The interim final rule is still in the Code of Federal Regulations. Until it is formally withdrawn, veterans’ benefits remain at risk. Rescind it."

"VA is halting this rule and that is good news. Veterans spoke up and it mattered," wrote Vet Voice Foundation CEO Janessa Goldbeck. "But I for one will not be celebrating the fact that the benefits veterans *already earned* are not being rolled back. That should be the absolute floor, not a victory lap."

"Halting enforcement is not the same as repeal and removal, Douglas. We will not fall for DC double-talk," wrote Common Defense.

"This is what can happen when the veteran community bands together to make our voices heard," wrote Veterans for Responsible Leadership. "Keep standing up and fighting back! While it is good news that the rule has been 'halted', we will not be satisfied until the rule is completely rescinded. Do the right thing Doug!"

"So it’s 'halting' it and 'not enforcing' it, but it won’t roll back the rule? Absolutely not," wrote the account for the Army Subreddit. "This is more underhanded b------- from @SecVetAffairs. If the rule is still on the books, it is a threat. Unless they immediately roll this back, this is b-------. Don’t buy into a half measure and accept this s---. F--- Doug Collins."