(American) Legion vows fight in commission attempt to tap social security benefits for veterans’ disabilities.

INDIANAPOLIS (May 10, 2006) - The board of directors of the nation’s largest veterans organization today unanimously authorized its national commander to take all “appropriate actions, with other organizations or singly, up to and including authorizing litigation,” to ensure that the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission does NOT attempt to erode veterans disability benefits by offsetting them with the Social Security disability system.
 Members of the National Executive Committee of The American Legion passed a resolution giving National Commander Thomas L. Bock full authority to work with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and other organizations to block a blatant attempt by the commission that could propose termination of veterans’ disability benefits when a veteran obtains a job despite a militarily incurred disability.
“Disability benefits are and should remain totally separate and subject to separate rules because Social Security benefits are the result of insurance premiums which constitute part of the Social Security tax and veterans benefits are earned for taking up the burdens of the nation,” Bock said.  “Veterans subjected themselves to the mental and physical hazards, as well as the economic and family detriments, which are unique to military service.”
The Veterans Disability Benefits Commission is considering whether Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) should or should not be included in its analysis of benefits provided under current federal laws to compensate veterans and their survivors for disability or death attributable to military service.
“Making veterans’ benefits subject to the rules and laws pertaining to the Social security system or similar rules allowing the end of benefits because the veteran has found a job, offsetting veterans benefits with Social Security Disability payments or turning veterans benefits into a transitional assistance program is flat-out wrong,” Bock said.  “The American Legion will work with DAV and any other organization with a common goal, jointly or separately as appropriate, to accomplish The American Legion’s traditional goal of preserving, protecting and enhancing veterans benefits and preventing the erosion or destruction of these hard-earned benefits.”
Abel Quinones
NALPA/CALPA Member

 

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----- Original Message -----
From: Michael J Doser
Subject:  VA Disability Commission May (SOON) Punish Disabled Vets 


DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS
Building Better Lives for America's Disabled Veterans
_______________________________________________________
Commission May Punish Disabled Vets
By Arthur H. Wilson, National Adjutant

Ever since legislation creating the Veterans? Disability Benefits Commission was passed, there have been concerns about whether the deck is stacked against veterans. And after a year of meetings, site visits, field hearings and public comment, it is still an open question. That?s understandable, considering the political climate in which the commission operates.

The 13-member panel was established after some rather heavy-handed attempts at sweeping changes to veterans disability compensation failed in Congress. However, the same political forces are still at work, both on and off Capitol Hill, making it difficult for disabled veterans to remain optimistic about the outcomes.

Optimism was in short supply at the commission?s March 16-17 meeting as some of its members maneuvered to authorize collecting data about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits paid to veterans who also receive VA disability compensation. That was done with a view toward an offset of disability insurance if the veteran receives disability compensation from the VA.

A move to sidestep proper procedures and hold a secret ballot on the matter was postponed, but the issue is expected to resurface at the commission?s meeting in May. If so, it could lay the groundwork for cutting or eliminating veterans benefits as a way of saving the government money.

The idea that disability compensation is some kind of income security or welfare program cheapens the service and sacrifice of disabled veterans. That kind of thinking might also open the door to cutting off VA compensation when a disabled veteran becomes eligible for Social Security retirement benefits.

Veterans benefits are separate and distinct from Social Security, so receiving payments under both programs is not dual compensation for the same disability, as some have tried to argue.

Service-connected disability compensation from the VA is an earned benefit, awarded only on the basis of eligibility to a special class of persons. Payments under this program are recompense from the government for the life-long effects and consequences of a disabled veteran?s extraordinary sacrifice in service to our nation. And a service-connected disability doesn?t magically disappear when a veteran has a job, either.

SSDI benefits, on the other hand, are not compensation for a disability, but rather cash payments to a person who is unable to work for a year or more because of a disability. Most U.S. workers who have paid Social Security taxes are covered by the program. Benefits usually continue until the person is able to work again on a regular basis. When a person receiving Social Security disability benefits reaches retirement age, those benefits automatically convert to Social Security retirement benefits.

Rather than protecting the public purse, implementing a policy regarding offsets to VA disability compensation and Social Security disability and retirement benefits would have the effect of punishing disabled veterans. I can think of no greater insult to the men and women whose service and sacrifice have kept America free and safe. We are mindful that this is only in the discussion stage, but I would hope that the Veterans? Disability Benefits Commission would reject even the suggestion of such an ill-advised scheme.