Supreme Court Limits Veterans’ Disability Appeal Rights. In a 7–2 decision (Bufkin v. Collins), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that courts need only check VA decisions for clear error, even when evidence is evenly balanced. The ruling limits how the benefit-of-the-doubt rule—meant to favor veterans—is applied in court. Veterans Joshua Bufkin and Norman Thornton challenged denied PTSD claims, arguing for a more favorable standard. The Court sided with the VA, saying the Veterans Court isn’t required to re-weigh evidence unless the VA clearly erred. Dissenting justices warned this weakens protections Congress intended for veterans. Impact: Veterans now face a higher bar to reverse claim denials. Advocates are pushing for legislative fixes
Supreme Court Decision on Veterans’ Disability Claims
