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April 1, 2010 - Combat-blinded veterans are protesting a policy by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that reduces their VA benefits if they receive additional assistance for their disability. The state of Massachusetts currently pays some of their blind veterans an annual stipend. The VA then takes this money from the veterans' pocket under the guise of "income".
Blind Massachusetts veterans may lose up to $2,000 a year from their VA pension. Most of these veterans live on a fixed income, are elderly, and depend on their VA benefits just to get by. A single veteran with no income receives $11,830. The VA deducting up to $2,000 from that amount would really hurt a veteran on a fixed income.
The VA views the Massachusetts annuity as additional income. A veteran's pension is based on their income and receiving the stipend could possibly put that veteran above the income level allowed for their pension. The VA then deducts the amount of the stipend from the veteran's pension. US Senator John F. Kerry (D - Mass) calls the practice "unfair" and sees the VA as punishing veterans for being injured.
In response to the VA's actions, Senator Kerry filed a bill to end what he referred to as an "outrageous penalty." If passed, this bill would allow veterans to keep both their state annuities, which were designed as gifts from the state, as well as their VA pensions. In order to qualify for a pension veterans must:
A Veterans Affairs Subcommittee passed a bill through the US House to detach the state stipend from the VA pensions. While the laws were likely not designed to punish veterans as they do, they are still in place and blind veterans deserve better treatment from their country.
Soldiers can return home with a number of conditions, injuries, and aggravated preexisting conditions. If you believe you have a service-connected physical or psychological injury you may be entitled to Veterans’ Disability Compensation.
At LaVan and Neidenberg, we are determined to secure veterans their rightful disability compensation and disability rating. We wrote this book for you! In it you will find valuable tips on how to navigate the claims process and avoid common pitfalls. Request your FREE copy today!
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