A Message from NACVSO President - February 2026

Greetings NACVSO Members and Strategic Partners,

As we close out February, I want to take a moment to reflect something that demonstrates exactly why our work matters.

Recently, NACVSO submitted formal Public Comment opposing the VA’s interim final rule, Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication. The rule would have required disability evaluations to be based solely on a veteran’s medicated state and zero consideration of baseline pathology, fluctuations, or long-term occupational impact.

Since our official submission, VA has reversed the interim final rule. We applaud VA leadership for listening to stakeholder concerns and taking corrective action.

Many voices contributed to this outcome. But this moment underscores something we know well: policy does not correct itself. It is strengthened through engagement. It is refined through experience. And it is improved when advocates speak clearly, constructively, and early.

That is precisely why Governmental Veteran Service Officers matter.

You are the front line of the disability system. You see in real time how policy and regulatory shifts affect everything. When NACVSO speaks, it speaks from your lived experiences.

I want to personally thank the members who shared insights and expertise during this process. Your feedback informed our comment and strengthened our position.

NACVSO will continue to work constructively with VA and with our partners to ensure that veterans’ interests remain at the center of policy and regulatory decision-making. This is who we are, what we do, and why our collective voice matters.

Very Respectfully,

Andrew Tangen

President, NACVSO