What are the VA 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year rating protection rules?
Last verified August 1, 2026 · Reviewed by Esteban Magallon, VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Details
- 5-year rule: 38 CFR § 3.344 — reduction requires evidence of sustained improvement under the ordinary conditions of life, not a single better exam.
- 10-year rule: 38 CFR § 3.957 — service connection is protected from severance after 10 years, though the percentage can still change.
- 20-year rule: 38 CFR § 3.951(b) — a rating continuously in effect for 20 years cannot be reduced below its lowest level during that period.
- 100% ratings based on total disability generally require material improvement in the condition itself before reduction. 38 CFR § 3.343.
- Age 55 or older: VA generally does not schedule routine future examinations. 38 CFR § 3.327(b)(2).
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This is general educational information about VA claims — not legal or medical advice. Individual outcomes depend on the record. Oakridge Claims is a private VA-Accredited Claims Agent practice and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.