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ARMED FORCES NEWS |
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Congress Waffles on Concurrent Receipt
Congress has voted in principle to end pay cuts for military retirees who are authorized VA disability compensation. However, the legislation would authorize concurrent receipt in a future year only if the president puts it in the budget and Congress legislates it. This looks like a show-stopper because the Administration has told Congress it opposes concurrent receipt. This failure by Congress means that disabled military retirees must continue to fund their own disability by a $1 reduction in their retired pay for each $1 of VA disability compensation they have earned. American Legion commander Richard J. Santos blasted this lip service, saying that it undermined the will of the majority in Congress. He said it sends a message to troops injured on active duty today that they should get out of the service to avoid being shortchanged in their retirement years. The legislation is awaiting the president's signature. Special Compensation for Some Disabled Retirees Although Congress has refused to authorize funding for concurrent receipt (previous item), it upped special compensation for some disabled retirees and added others to the compensation list. Retirees with VA disabilities of 70 percent or higher currently receive $100 to $300 monthly. This will increase by $25 a month beginning January 1, 2003 for retirees rated 80 percent or more, and $25 a month effective October 1, 2004 for those rated 70 percent or higher. Added to the list for special compensation of $50 a month beginning February 1, 2002 will be retirees who served at least 20 years on active duty and who were awarded VA disabilities of 60 percent within 4 years of retiring. All of these changes depend upon whether the president signs the fiscal 2002 National Defense Authorization Act, which is on his desk. |
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