Will Your VA Benefits Change Under Trump’s Administration?

It has been a volatile couple of months, with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) making sweeping budget cuts and promising more to come. So far, many government agencies have been affected, with some losing funding, others losing their funding only to regain it, and everyone wondering what the future holds.

One of the agencies DOGE has been eyeing is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In February, the White House’s proposed $2 billion cut to VA contracts caused considerable public outcry. This proposal has since been paused and is pending further review.

While we don’t know the future, we can separate the truth from rumors and exaggerations and, hopefully, ease some anxiety surrounding the future of VA benefits.

Are VA Benefits at Risk?

According to Doug Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Veterans’ benefits are not on the chopping block.

“In fact, we are actually giving and improving services,” Collins said in a recent video message. “We’ve got DOGE representatives here doing what they’re supposed to be doing. That is looking at contracts, making sure that we have the best run facility for efficiency to make sure the Veteran gets the care they need.”

But many are unwilling to take this at face value, citing concerns about staff shortages that may worsen if cuts are implemented.

So far, VA beneficiaries have been spared from the budget cuts. However, the dismissal of 1,400 short-term VA employees caused concern about Veterans’ access to care and quality of treatment in the future. Reportedly, VA employees dismissed included researchers focused on cancer treatment, opioid addiction, prosthetics, and burn pit exposure. These workers have since been rehired and placed on paid leave.

Will the Government Cut or Reduce VA Disability Payments?

There are no proposals to cut or reduce individual VA disability payments. “We will not be eliminating any benefits or services to Veterans or VA beneficiaries, and there will be no negative impact to VA health care, benefits or beneficiaries,” VA press secretary Pete Kasperowicz said. “We are always going to take care of Veterans at VA. Period.”

While there are no direct plans to lessen payments, one contract targeted for dismissal supports the assessment of veterans’ disability ratings. The disability rating system is a review process by which a percentage value is assigned based on the severity of one’s disability. This value has a significant, long-term impact on Veterans’ access to care and financial support.

Are Veterans Losing Access to Healthcare and Support Services?

Leadership in the VA asserts that any budget cuts will not negatively impact Veterans.

“Every dollar we spend on wasteful contracts, non-mission-critical or duplicative activities is one less dollar we can spend on Veterans, and given that choice, we will always side with the Veteran,” press secretary Kasperowicz wrote.

Some are skeptical of the administration’s approach.

For example, Nick Stefanovic, director of Monroe County Veteran Services argued that probationary jobs cut from the Bath VA Medical Center in Steuben County would critically impact Veterans’ access to detox services.

“I fear that we are going to see the worst-case scenario, which could be veterans lose their lives because of it,” Stefanovic said.

There’s also uncertainty surrounding related issues like comped transportation to and from VA facilities for Veterans who have difficulty driving.

Virtually everyone believes the VA could be improved. But while some see these potential changes as positive and necessary, others think it is a step in the wrong direction.

VA Job Cuts and Veteran Employment Struggles 

Updated March 27, 2025

In February, 1,400 short-term VA employees were dismissed from their jobs. However, a March federal ruling found the firings illegal and demanded their jobs be reinstated. Many dismissed VA employees have returned to work, though others remain on paid leave.

In addition, some rehired employees have refused to return to their jobs, fearful of the uncertainty and instability of their position.

“For right now, I kind of need more stability—which ironically, I don’t think [this job] would provide,” Tyler Butts, a USGS scientist who was fired from the La Crosse science center told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Protecting Your VA Benefits

If you get a letter proposing a reduction in your benefits or disability rating, or if you have a claim denied, you have options. A VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative can assist you.

The VA provides resources on its website to find an accredited representative.

Our Veteran Team is Here to Support You

Despite the uncertainty surrounding budget cuts, job losses, and convenient access to care, dedicated people remain committed to helping Veterans through their health issues.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) provides evidence-based care, with many of our facilities offering specialized treatment programs for Veterans struggling with addiction. Call to speak with our compassionate admissions navigators—many of whom are Veterans themselves—and they will help you or your loved one get the help you need. You can also verify your insurance online.