American Legion Post 88

02/20/2026

https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-undoes-decades-old-wrong-and-protects-veterans-second-amendment-rights/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQEzKxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe8BX1TAyiN1VqfwQDK2yyeyS42Yq6JlUlM1jgMLS4bLiHFT4f2bAM0fuisdQ_aem_IWd7X2b7z2r9gOdJLjZPvw

Effective immediately, VA will not report Veterans to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System as “prohibited persons” only because they need help from a fiduciary in managing their VA benefits.

02/20/2026

Just the enforcement of the rule is being halted. Without full withdrawal, enforcement could be reinstated at any time

You are not actually stopping the rule, just halting the enforcement. You are simply choosing not to enforce it while continuing to move forward with the interim final rule, which means enforcement could be reinstated at any time.
What is needed instead is a full withdrawal of the interim final rule, followed by resubmission through the standard notice of proposed rulemaking process so it receives proper review and public input.

02/19/2026

https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/veterans-benefits/2026/february/legion-disagrees-with-new-va-rule-on-medication?utm_campaign=Source+Code+Here&utm_content=VA&utm_term=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Adestra

02/19/2026

When submitting your comment, please confirm the docket number VA-2026-VBA-0067/RIN 2900-AS49 and clearly state your opposition to this rule.

Suggested points you may consider including:

1. Veterans should not be penalized for properly managing their service-connected conditions with medication.
2. Medication often controls symptoms but does not cure the underlying disability.
3. Disability ratings should reflect the true severity and long-term impact of service-connected conditions.
4. This rule could unfairly reduce earned benefits for veterans nationwide.

Every individual comment matters. The VA is required to review and consider all submissions received during the comment period. A strong response from Legionnaires across Oklahoma will send a clear and unified message.

Please take a few minutes to submit your comment today.

For God and Country,
Suzanne Ashmore, JA Post 88

02/19/2026

CALL TO ACTION!!

Veterans!! The new VA ruling about lowering your rating because of medications is currently open for public comment, and this is your chance to make your voice heard.
Comment deadline: April 20, 2026

How to submit a comment:
1. Go to www.regulations.gov
2. In the search bar, enter the docket/RIN: 2900-AS49
3. Open the rule titled “Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication” or click https://www.regulations.gov/document/VA-2026-VBA-0067-0001
4. Click “Comment”
5. Type your comment (or upload a document)
6. Review and submit

Tips for commenting:
• Be clear, specific, and respectful
• Explain how this change could impact you or other veterans
• You can include your name/contact info if you want it on record (comments become public)

This process actually matters — agencies are required to review and consider public input before finalizing rules. If this change concerns you, take a few minutes and speak up. Let our voices be heard.

02/19/2026

FROM BRETT MARTIN:

VA Interim Final Rule (RIN 2900-AS49)
Amendment to 38 CFR § 4.10 — Evaluative Rating: Impact of Medication Published: February 17, 2026

Overview
On February 17, 2026, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) issued an Interim Final Rule amending 38 CFR § 4.10. The rule requires that disability ratings be based on a veteran’s actual functional impairment while medicated, rather than the severity of the underlying condition absent treatment.
The rule became effective immediately and bypassed standard notice-and-comment rulemaking.

This action directly overrides the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims’ 2025 decision in Ingram v. Collins, which held that the ameliorative effects of medication should not be considered when diagnostic codes do not explicitly reference medication.

Policy Shift
This rule represents a significant change in VA disability evaluation philosophy:
Prior Standard (General Practice):
Ratings often reflected the underlying severity of a service-connected condition.

Medication effects were not uniformly considered unless specified in the diagnostic code.
New Standard:

Ratings must reflect functional ability as treated.
If medication reduces symptoms, the rating may be reduced accordingly.

Scope of Impact
Applies across 500+ diagnostic codes.
Affects any veteran whose condition is managed by medication or treatment.
Potentially impacts veterans rated at 70% or 100% at future reexaminations.
Permanent & Total (P&T) veterans are not routinely reexamined but may face review if filing new claims.

Conditions likely affected include:
PTSD and other mental health conditions
Cardiovascular disease
Musculoskeletal injuries
Neurological disorders
Chronic pain conditions

Key Concerns
Rating Reductions: Veterans whose symptoms are controlled by medication may face decreased compensation.

Treatment Dependency: Rule does not clearly account for medication side effects or the need for lifelong treatment.
Due Process: Issued without traditional notice-and-comment procedures.

Automation Risk: Existing AI claims infrastructure may allow large-scale identification of potential reduction cases.
Appeals Surge: Likely increase in contested rating reduction cases.

Potential VA Rationale
Align compensation with real-world functional ability.
Promote consistency across diagnostic codes.
Improve fiscal predictability.
Utilize existing AI-driven claims processing systems to standardize evaluations.

Congressional Considerations
Members may wish to evaluate:
Whether bypassing notice-and-comment rule making was appropriate.
The projected number of veterans subject to rating review or reduction.
Fiscal impact versus veteran financial stability.
Impact on su***de prevention, housing stability, and family income.
Whether legislative clarification of rating standards is warranted.
Oversight of AI-assisted claims reduction identification processes.

Questions for VA Oversight Hearings
How many veterans are projected to be affected within the first 12–24 months?What safeguards exist to prevent improper rating reductions?
How will medication side effects and relapse risk be evaluated?
What human oversight exists in AI-driven identification of reduction cases?
What is the projected budgetary savings?

This should concern all veterans. Call or email your Senators and Congressmen today!
For GOD, Country, and Service

02/19/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT: American Legion Post 88 to Receive Beacon Award

NOTE: This is a FUNDRAISING EVENT for CCFI. suggested donations for luncheon are $__________________.

The Center for Children and Families, Inc. in Norman, Oklahoma has selected American Legion Post 88 as the recipient of its prestigious Beacon Award for 2026. The award will be formally presented on February 28, 2026.

The Executive Committee wishes to invite any Post 88 member to join us for luncheon on Saturday, February 28 to help celebrate.
Seating is limited, so reserve your seat NLT FEBRUARY 24TH by sending email to Post 88 Judge Advocate Suzy Ashmore: suzyashmore@hotmail.com

PLEASE! DO NOT RSVP VIA FACEBOOK!!

This recognition honors Post 88’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the community, supporting local families, and advancing the well-being of children through service, advocacy, and volunteer leadership. The CCFI noted Post 88’s longstanding dedication to creating a safer, more supportive environment for young people and families across the region.
American Legion Post 88 continues to exemplify what it means to serve—both in uniform and at home—and this award highlights the meaningful impact of their work throughout Norman and the surrounding communities.

02/16/2026

Do not miss this.

ATTENTION LEGIONNAIRES: At the recent District 5 Oratorical Contest at Lexington First Baptist Church, students Christopher Moses and Natalie Boone advanced to the State Oratorical Contest which is scheduled for March 7, 2026.

We are asking as many Post 88 members who can to come out and show support. Their speeches were excellent and we would love to see these 2 aspiring students advance to the National Finals!

PLEASE ARRIVE 9:30 am. Contest start time is 10:00. Location is the W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute (100 University Drive) on the campus of UCO in Edmond, OK.

The 2026 National Finals will be May 15-17 in Hillsdale, Mich., at Hillsdale College. The quarterfinal and semifinal contests are re- scheduled for Saturday, May 16, with the finals scheduled for Sunday, May 17.

One of the District 5 winners, Christopher Moses, is scheduled to appear at Post 88 meeting on March 16 to present his winning speeches. If for some reason you cannot attend the State Oratorial, PLEASE attend the March meeting to hear this young man! More information about the March meeting is forthcoming.

02/14/2026

02/14/2026

ATTENTION LEGIONNAIRES: At the recent District 5 Oratorical Contest at Lexington First Baptist Church, students Christopher Moses and Natalie Boone advanced to the State Oratorical Contest which is scheduled for March 7, 2026.

We are asking as many Post 88 members who can to come out and show support. Their speeches were excellent and we would love to see these 2 aspiring students advance to the National Finals!

PLEASE ARRIVE 9:30 am. Contest start time is 10:00. Location is the W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute (100 University Drive) on the campus of UCO in Edmond, OK.

The 2026 National Finals will be May 15-17 in Hillsdale, Mich., at Hillsdale College. The quarterfinal and semifinal contests are re- scheduled for Saturday, May 16, with the finals scheduled for Sunday, May 17.

One of the District 5 winners, Christopher Moses, is scheduled to appear at Post 88 meeting on March 16 to present his winning speeches. If for some reason you cannot attend the State Oratorial, PLEASE attend the March meeting to hear this young man! More information about the March meeting is forthcoming.

02/14/2026

ATTENTION: American250.org is sponsoring a contest called "America's Field Trip" - a multi-year contest that invites students in grades 3-12 to submit original artwork or writing answering the question "What does American mean to you?"
If you have a child, grandchild or a friend/relative with child/grandchild, PLEASE direct them to the website below to enter this exciting contest.

https://america250.org/fieldtrip/

America's Field Trip is a multi-year contest for students in grades 3-12 to submit artwork and essays for the chance to earn unique experiences at iconic American sites.