Understand a proposed or final reduction letter

See how VA reductions work, which protections may apply, and how to respond.

  1. Letter Interpreter Paste a VA letter and see plain-English breakdown.
  2. Filing terms glossary Plain-English definitions of common VA letter terms.
  3. Rating reductions How VA reduces ratings and what triggers a review.
  4. Rating protections Protections for long-held ratings.
  5. Future reexaminations When VA can schedule a future exam, the over-55 / 5-year bars, and how to challenge a notice.
  6. Healthcare and ratings How a reduction can affect healthcare priority groups.
  7. Find a VSO rep Search accredited representatives by state or near you.

Your decision

Optional: reading notes for this letter

The reduction guidance above is the main path. If you also want to record what the letter says and the questions it raises, open a reading sheet and keep it with your preparation.

Open a decision reading sheet Use the Letter Interpreter

Read the Rating Decision guide Find reference cases

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RateMyVSO is encyclopedic. Cards link to research and tools. Not legal advice.