Carlton H. Ingram Veterans’ Benefits Protection Act
Sponsored By: Senator Richard Blumenthal
Introduced
Summary
Discount the effects of medication and treatment when calculating VA disability ratings. This bill would amend 38 U.S.C. §1155 to require the Department of Veterans Affairs to build its rating schedule using evidence that sets a baseline without the beneficial effects of medication or treatment. It would also say that discounting treatment benefits does not stop a veteran from seeking compensation for new disabilities caused by treatment or for aggravation of a preexisting injury or disease incurred in active service.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Veterans' disability ratings exclude treatment
If enacted, the Department of Veterans Affairs would be required to build and apply its disability rating schedule to discount the beneficial effects of medicine or treatment. This would apply when evidence establishes a baseline showing the veteran's condition without treatment. That change would lower some veterans' disability ratings when treatment hides symptoms. You would still be able to file for compensation for new disabilities caused by medication or treatment for an in‑service injury, or for aggravation of a preexisting in‑service injury during active service. The bill excerpt does not set a numeric formula, an effective date, or direct payment changes.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Richard Blumenthal
CT • D
Cosponsors
Tammy Duckworth
IL • D
Sponsored 3/19/2026
Angus King
ME • I
Sponsored 3/19/2026
Patty Murray
WA • D
Sponsored 3/19/2026
Ruben Gallego
AZ • D
Sponsored 3/19/2026
Bernie Sanders
VT • I
Sponsored 3/19/2026
Tammy Baldwin
WI • D
Sponsored 3/19/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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