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Protect Your Rating Before It’s Too Late

If the VA is trying to reduce or sever your disability rating, it’s critical to act quickly. We help you push back with a strong, well-supported appeal.
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VA Disability Reduction & Severance Appeals

If the VA sends you a notice proposing to reduce or sever your disability rating, it’s important to act quickly. These proposals are often based on a recent C&P exam and signal that the VA believes your condition has improved. But many of them are issued prematurely, rely on flawed evaluations, or lack proper supporting evidence.

You have the right to challenge the proposal before it becomes final—but the deadlines are short. In most cases, you have 60 days to submit evidence and 30 days to request a hearing. When you reach out to Freedom Claims Agency, we’ll help you understand what’s at stake, evaluate your options, and respond with a strong, timely appeal.

Understanding the VA Reduction Process

When the VA proposes to reduce your disability rating, the process they follow depends on how the change affects your monthly compensation. If the proposed reduction won’t lower your overall payment, the VA may move forward without offering formal due process—though they still have to follow standard rules for rating changes. However, if the reduction would decrease your monthly benefits, the VA is required to follow a formal process that gives you a chance to submit evidence or request a hearing before a final decision is made.

When your benefits are at risk of being reduced, the VA follows a specific process:

  1. The VA sends a Notice of Proposed Reduction explaining its intent to lower your disability rating. You have 60 days to submit evidence to contest the proposed change and 30 days to request a hearing, which can delay the process until after the hearing.
  2. If you request a hearing within the 30-day window, the VA must pause the reduction process until the hearing is held and your case is reviewed.
  3. If you don’t request a hearing before the deadline, the VA will review your file and any evidence you submitted during the 60-day period before making a final decision.
  4. If the VA decides to proceed with the reduction, they will issue a final rating decision. The change will take effect 60 days after the decision is sent.

How to Fight a Proposed Reduction

The best way to fight a proposed rating reduction is to stop it before it becomes final—and that means acting quickly. Within 30 days of receiving the notice, you should request a pre-determination hearing. This puts the reduction on hold and gives you more time to gather and submit evidence that supports your current rating.

Once the hearing is requested, it’s time to start building your case. Helpful evidence may include updated medical records, independent medical exams, statements from family or coworkers (also known as lay or buddy statements), and work records like sick leave or time-off logs. This information helps show that your condition hasn’t improved—and that the proposed reduction isn’t justified.
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Are Your Benefits Under Fire?

Don’t wait for the VA to make the next move. Schedule your free consultation—we’ll review your notice, assess your case, and help you respond with confidence.

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Our Process

We take a strategic, step-by-step approach to every VA disability appeal—guiding you from the initial consultation through the final resolution. Our process is built to eliminate guesswork, minimize delays, and help you move forward with confidence.
  • 1

    Initial Consultation

    Every appeal begins with a free consultation. We take time to learn about your service history, current conditions, and past VA decisions—laying a strong foundation for your case and determining how we can best support you throughout the VA appeals process.

  • 2

    Claim Review

    We conduct a thorough review of your VA records and prior claim decisions—identifying any errors, overlooked evidence, or rating issues. This step helps us identify weaknesses and errors to build a strategy that positions your appeal for success.

  • 3

    Evidence Gathering

    Gathering strong evidence is critical to a successful appeal. We help you collect service treatment records, VA and private medical files, buddy statements, expert opinions, and relevant research—so we can build the strongest possible case for your appeal.

  • 4

    Expert Filing

    We prepare and submit your appeal with precision—ensuring all forms are complete, accurate, and supported by the evidence we’ve gathered. Your submission is structured to highlight the strengths of your case and give you the best possible chance of success.

  • 5

    Ongoing Support

    After filing your appeal, we continue to support you—whether you’re preparing for a C&P exam, responding to VA requests, or getting ready for an appeals hearing. We make sure you know what to expect and stand by your side until your case is fully resolved.

Why Choose Freedom
Claims Agency?

Personalized Advocacy

As a veteran-owned and -operated team, we deliver mission-focused support aligned with your unique healthcare needs and goals.

Expertise You Can Trust

We know the VA claims and appeals process inside and out—with a VA-accredited claims agent and licensed psychologist on staff.

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Comprehensive Case Management

You’ll receive clear communication, steady guidance, and tactical support from your initial consultation to the final resolution.

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Simplified Process

The VA claims and appeals process can be difficult to navigate. We cut through the red tape, helping you achieve mission success.

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Proven Success

Our team has a strong track record—overturning denials, addressing under-evaluated conditions, and guiding veterans to successful appeal outcomes.

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Free Consultations

Our initial consultations are provided free of charge—so you can decide if we’re the right fit before moving forward with us.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When the VA proposes to lower your rating, the process can feel unclear and overwhelming. The following questions address the concerns we hear most often from veterans facing proposed reductions.

  • What is a VA rating reduction?

    A rating reduction happens when the VA believes your service-connected condition has improved and wants to lower your monthly disability compensation.

  • Will my benefits stop as soon as I receive a reduction notice?

    No. You have time to respond. If you request a hearing within 30 days, the VA cannot finalize the reduction until after the hearing takes place.

  • Do I need to request a hearing?

    Requesting a hearing isn’t required, but it can delay the reduction and give you more time to prepare and submit evidence. It also gives you a chance to speak directly to someone at the VA about your case.

  • Do I need help from an advocate to fight a rating reduction?

    No, but it can make a big difference. The reduction process is time-sensitive and evidence-heavy. Working with a VA-accredited advocate can improve your chances of keeping the rating and benefits you’ve earned.

  • What if the VA has already reduced my rating?

    You can still appeal the decision. Depending on your situation, you may be able to file a Supplemental Claim, request a Higher-Level Review, or take your case to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

Don’t Let a Rating Change Catch You Off Guard

If you’ve received a proposed reduction notice, we’re here to help. Lock in your free consultation to get the guidance you need to protect your VA benefits.

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