Bufkin v. Collins: How You Can Benefit from a Major Supreme Court Ruling

In 2025, the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in Bufkin v. Collins that could significantly reshape how Veterans’ disability appeals are decided. This decision requires the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) to apply “clear error review” when evaluating whether the benefit-of-the-doubt rule was correctly applied by the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA).

For Veterans, this ruling isn’t just a technical legal change — it could mean more favorable outcomes in appeals and a greater chance of finally receiving the benefits you’ve earned.

What is the Benefit-of-the-Doubt Rule?

The benefit-of-the-doubt rule is a cornerstone of Veterans’ law. When evidence regarding a claim is evenly balanced, the VA must rule in favor of the Veteran. This standard reflects the principle that Veterans should not be denied benefits simply because of bureaucratic uncertainty or incomplete records — especially when service records are often lost, incomplete, or vague.

Until now, the application of this rule was largely at the discretion of the BVA. If they claimed they had applied it, there was little room for challenge. That changed with Bufkin v. Collins.

What the Supreme Court Ruled

In Bufkin v. Collins (2025), the Supreme Court clarified that the CAVC must actively review whether the BVA properly applied the benefit-of-the-doubt rule. Instead of rubber-stamping the BVA’s decision, the CAVC now has to step in and decide whether there was a “clear error” in how the rule was handled.

This is a huge shift. It increases oversight, raises the standard of accountability for the BVA, and gives Veterans a more meaningful chance to challenge unfair denials.

Why This Matters for Veterans

This ruling could have wide-reaching effects, including:

• More Favorable Appeals – Veterans who previously had their claims denied may now have a stronger case on appeal, especially if the evidence was balanced.

• Increased Accountability – The BVA must now be more thorough in explaining how they applied (or failed to apply) the benefit-of-the-doubt rule.

• Greater Legal Leverage – Veterans’ advocates and attorneys will have stronger grounds to argue that the BVA committed a “clear error” if the rule wasn’t applied properly.

• Potential for Retroactive Wins – Veterans with cases still within the appeal window may benefit from this new precedent.

According to recent VA data, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals denied or dismissed nearly 42% of appeals in FY 2023. Many of these denials involved disputed evidence—precisely the kind of situation where the benefit-of-the-doubt rule should apply. Under the new Bufkin precedent, more of these cases may result in a reversal or remand.

What You Can Do Right Now

If you have a pending VA appeal, or if your claim was recently denied, now is the time to act:

1. Review Your Case – Check if your claim was denied because of conflicting or “equally balanced” evidence.

2. Consult an Accredited VA Attorney or VSO – Legal experts can help you leverage the Bufkin v. Collins ruling to strengthen your appeal.

3. File a Motion for Reconsideration or Appeal – If you’re within the appeal window, your case may qualify for review under this new precedent.

4. Stay Informed – This ruling is still new, and additional case law will continue to define how it’s applied in practice.

Conclusion

The Bufkin v. Collins Supreme Court decision is a game-changer for Veterans. By requiring the CAVC to apply clear error review when examining the benefit-of-the-doubt rule, the ruling creates a stronger path for Veterans to challenge unfair denials and secure the benefits they deserve.

If your claim has been denied, this is the time to revisit your options. With the right strategy, this ruling could be the turning point in your case. Still have questions? Book a free strategy call today!