In a 7-2 decision in Bufkin v. Collins, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that courts must defer to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) unless there’s a clear and obvious error. This decision weakens the long-standing “benefit-of-the-doubt” rule that once gave veterans an edge when evidence was equally balanced.
The case involved veterans Joshua Bufkin and Norman Thornton, both of whom were denied PTSD-related benefits, even though their claims were backed by strong — though not definitive — evidence.
Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson and Neil Gorsuch dissented, expressing serious concerns that the ruling tilts the system against veterans seeking the support they deserve.
Veterans’ advocates say this decision sets a troubling precedent and could lead to more claim denials. Many are now urging Congress to step in and restore stronger legal protections for those who’ve served.
This marks a significant shift in veterans’ law — one that may make it much harder for former service members to access the benefits they’ve earned through their sacrifice.