In Bufkin v. Collins, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that courts must defer to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) unless there is a clear and unmistakable error in its decisions. This decision weakens the long-standing “benefit-of-the-doubt” standard, which traditionally favored veterans when evidence for and against a disability claim was nearly equal. As a result, it becomes significantly harder for veterans to successfully appeal denied benefits claims. The ruling tilts the legal balance toward the VA’s original assessments and increases the burden on veterans to overturn those decisions.
The case centered on veterans Joshua Bufkin and Norman Thornton, both of whom were denied benefits for PTSD despite submitting strong supporting evidence. Previously, cases with closely contested evidence often resolved in favor of veterans. However, the Supreme Court’s decision now requires proof of a clear VA error for courts to intervene. Critics argue that this shift undermines the intent of a system meant to support those who served the country, making it less accessible and more rigid. Supporters, on the other hand, believe the ruling ensures consistency and deference to the VA’s specialized judgment. Either way, the decision represents a major transformation in how veterans’ disability benefits claims are reviewed and appealed.
