Disability Compensation for Veterans

Taking care of disabled veterans is a priority for the Democratic Party and the new Congress. Democrats have already taken steps towards eliminating complaints about the disability compensation system, where problems currently exist:

The Lakeland Ledger reports:

Beginning in 2004, for example, Congress allowed military retirees who are 50 percent disabled or more to collect both their pensions and disability payments, which previously were subtracted one from the other. That change, an issue known as "concurrent receipt," has provided "significant incentive for retirees receiving compensation to file claims for increased benefits" in order to qualify, a VA budget book says.

Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, the Democratic leader, has introduced legislation to erase the 50 percent disability threshold for concurrent receipt, a priority for most veterans groups. That might reduce incentives to seek higher ratings, but it would greatly add to the cost.

Some House Republicans suggested in 2004 that the definition of "line of duty" be changed to limit service-connected claims, but they were roundly booed and created a panel to study the disability system instead. A report is expected by the end of this year.

Senator Reid, along with the rest of the Democratic Party, understands the need to honor those who have sacrificed on behalf of this nation. Fixing the disability compensation program so that those with disabilities can collect their pensions, along with their disability payments, is an important step.