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I learned this recently that, although the President included “concurrent receipt” in his proposed budget, the Senate refused to pass it.  This stand by Senator’s who voted negative is political and immoral.  I believe that no Senator, regardless of Party, who fails to appreciate this issue, should be allowed to continue in government.  But let us look at the issue.  I doubt most American’s understand.

Disabled veterans who were forced to retire due to their disability pay a substantial fee (tax) for healthcare from the Veteran’s Administration.  The tax is levied by the branch of military in which the veteran served.

Here is a simplified way to view the amount of the tax.  A disabled veteran who was retired from the military because of a “service connected” disability is paid by the VA a monthly stipend related to the percent disability the veteran suffers.  That VA stipend is partially subtracted from any pay that the service grants the veteran who they force to retire.

This entire problem is congressional.  Congress decided many years ago that career soldiers who dedicated their lives to serving this country, must be forced to retire if they become disabled.  Congress approved a specific document that defines the disabilities and what constitutes a “service connected” condition.  For example a veteran who is severely injured in a government owned vehicle accident (in a war zone, on a military post or training area) may be judged to have a “service connected” injury or condition.  Historically most soldiers who are “wounded”, or die in the service of their country, are cut down by disease and accidents.

The more severe the disability, the higher the tax.  For example a veteran who is 30 percent disabled gets $376 in VA Disability Compensation, while a 100 percent disabled veteran gets $2763.  The problem is that the military services are forced to reduce the veterans pension by the VA Disability Compensation.  So, generally the 100 percent disabled veteran pays more than 2000 dollars every month for his medical care.  Of course 100 percent disabled means that the veteran physically cannot get another job to help fund living expenses.  .

This tax is not charged to disabled veterans who work, as a civilian, for the government.  That is true even if the civilian worker is disabled from the job and get disability from civilian sources and the Social Security administration.   Members of Congress are not charged this tax.  And, of course, “retired” members of Congress (those who served a few years and were not reelected or decided not to seek reelection) are paid retirement and provided benefits.

So, think about it.  Senators vote to declare war and to fund ongoing wars.  A small percentage of Congressional members actually served in the military.  With no sacrifice on their part, Senators approve sending soldiers to war.  When the soldier honorably serves and becomes disabled in the process, Congress deducts a healthcare premium for any medical care the veteran accepts for his “service connected” health problems.

To me, this situation is immoral, and certainly unfair.  As a nation we expect to have a military to defend our interests, why does the our congress refuse to support them when they are injured in serving their country?