Congress is considering HR-9237  "Take Care of America’s Veterans Act" a quick glance and it looks great because it includes the long overdue Major Richard Star Act.   However, a closer look is it is a short term gain to sweeten the fact it has major cuts affecting future veterans.

Here are a few points of  why the VFW,  DAV and IAVA has come out against this bill since it was first introduced:

The VFW opposes the bill (specifically Section 108) due to the following concerns: 

Cutting Earned Benefits: The legislation proposes altering VA disability ratings for common service-connected conditions—such as sleep apnea and tinnitus—to generate savings.

Budgetary Pay-fors: The VFW objects to the practice of financing new or expanded veteran initiatives (like the Major Richard Star Act) by stripping compensation from current and future disabled veterans. 

Setting a Dangerous Precedent: The VFW argues that Congress should not alter disability ratings for arbitrary budgetary reasons; instead, ratings must continue to rely on medical evidence.

The Major Star Act HR-2102 should be passed as a stand alone.  Congress has balked because of the billion dollar annual estimated cost.  HR9237 includes the popular Major Richard Star act and offsets that new cost by cutting estimates of ~$5.7 billion annually by stripping compensation for sleep apnea and tinnitus.

Veterans have never sacrificed future Veterans benefits by accepting short term benefit deals for themselves.  Ever!

Please join us as we fight for the benefits for current and future Veterans that were earned through blood, sweat and years of service to our Nation!

Disclaimer:  This petition was started by me as a pissed off veteran who is a strong advocate for our Veterans.  I agree with the views of the VFW, DAV and IAVA.     #dontsellout