For help with a claim or appeal, the people authorized to help are VA-accredited representatives. Many VSOs help for free.Find an accredited representative →
UnderstandMyRating
GlossaryProtected rating

What “protected rating” means on a VA rating decision

A protected rating is a long-standing rating that federal rules shield from reduction or severance after certain lengths of time, such as five, ten, or twenty years. The protection limits when and how VA can lower it.

38 CFR §3.951
In plain terms
A long-standing rating that federal rules protect from reduction after set periods.
See this term in your own letter
Upload your rating decision and we will point out where it applies to you. No account needed for the free decode.
Free decode →