VA disputes claim that removing race from lung tests would greatly alter disability payments

STAT July 23, 2024
Usha Lee McFarling

Veterans Affairs department officials said Monday they have launched a study to determine how removing race from widely used lung function tests may affect disability benefits for veterans, and they expect the impact to be much smaller than predicted in a study published earlier this year.

They also said veterans who may have heard about the issue should not be concerned about any sudden changes to their benefits. Any changes, said Olumayowa Famakinwa, who oversees implementation of the VA’s rating schedule for disabilities, would come with ample notification and the ability for veterans to appeal.

“If I was talking to a veteran, I’d say, give us some time, but we’ll figure it out for sure and you can remain confident...

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