
Federal Circuit Bars Judicial Review of Systemic Challenges to 0 Percent VA Ratings
Federal Circuit ruled Aug. 20, 2026: courts lack jurisdiction to hear claims that a 0% VA rating violates the ten-grade scheme in 38 U.S.C. 1110, 1155.
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Federal Circuit ruled Aug. 20, 2026: courts lack jurisdiction to hear claims that a 0% VA rating violates the ten-grade scheme in 38 U.S.C. 1110, 1155.

The Federal Circuit dismissed a veteran's CUE appeal, holding it lacks jurisdiction to review how Roberson was applied to her 2009 PTSD rating and TDIU claim.

The Federal Circuit held on September 8, 2026 in Brack v. Collins that a veteran in the VA's Direct Review appeal lane cannot demand 90 days to submit argument.

Federal Circuit, Sept. 3, 2026: Loomis v. Collins holds an FAA-approved flight course still needs a college degree program to draw VA education benefits.

A proposed Freund v. Collins settlement could reopen nearly 93,000 VA disability appeals. Fairness hearing set for August 13, 2026. Not yet final.

GAO report GAO-26-109137, released July 10, 2026, finds the VA is exploring AI for disability claims while oversight, training, data, and cybersecurity gaps persist. It changes no veteran's rating.

Fed. Circuit affirmed Aug. 21, 2026: VA's 2006 records rule turns on when records surface, not the original claim date. Miller v. Collins explained.

VA's disability claims backlog fell below 70,000 for the first time since 2020, a 74% drop, but VA told Congress 80% of pending claims are still gathering evidence.

A VA watchdog audit found errors in about 34% of 2024 cases reducing veterans' disability pay, producing at least $16.9 million in improper payments.

A major veterans bill (TCAVA, H.R. 9237) that would restructure VA sleep apnea and tinnitus ratings stalled in the House on July 16, 2026. It is not law. Here is what Section 108 would actually do.