Veterans face potential cuts to disability benefits
June 13, 2024 | Veterans Affairs: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the future of Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) benefits for veterans, highlighting a concerning trend in proposed policy changes. TDIU, which provides financial support to veterans unable to work due to service-connected disabilities, has seen a decrease in recipients, dropping from 7.8% six years ago. Despite this decline, proposals to limit TDIU eligibility based on age have emerged, raising significant concerns among veteran advocacy groups.
One notable proposal from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in its fiscal year 2018 budget suggested terminating TDIU ratings for veterans at age 62 and cutting benefits for those already receiving Social Security. More recently, a December 2022 report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recommended similar measures, proposing to end TDIU ratings for veterans at age 67 and reduce benefits by 30% once they reach full Social Security retirement age.
Advocates argue that such age-based restrictions would lead to unfair discrimination. They emphasize that many individuals continue to work beyond traditional retirement ages, making it unjust to deny TDIU benefits based solely on age. Current federal regulations prohibit considering age when evaluating service-connected disabilities or determining TDIU eligibility, a principle that the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization strongly supports. They are backing HR 6362, the Protecting Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act, which aims to codify this entitlement and prevent age discrimination in TDIU determinations.
Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the potential impact of linking TDIU awards to vocational assessments, a proposal that could complicate access to benefits for veterans already facing significant challenges due to their disabilities. Advocates stress that many veterans receiving TDIU may not qualify for Social Security benefits due to insufficient work credits, making any reduction or termination of TDIU particularly devastating.
As discussions continue, the future of TDIU benefits remains a critical issue for veterans, with advocates urging policymakers to consider the unique challenges faced by those who have served.
One notable proposal from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in its fiscal year 2018 budget suggested terminating TDIU ratings for veterans at age 62 and cutting benefits for those already receiving Social Security. More recently, a December 2022 report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recommended similar measures, proposing to end TDIU ratings for veterans at age 67 and reduce benefits by 30% once they reach full Social Security retirement age.
Advocates argue that such age-based restrictions would lead to unfair discrimination. They emphasize that many individuals continue to work beyond traditional retirement ages, making it unjust to deny TDIU benefits based solely on age. Current federal regulations prohibit considering age when evaluating service-connected disabilities or determining TDIU eligibility, a principle that the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization strongly supports. They are backing HR 6362, the Protecting Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act, which aims to codify this entitlement and prevent age discrimination in TDIU determinations.
Furthermore, the meeting highlighted the potential impact of linking TDIU awards to vocational assessments, a proposal that could complicate access to benefits for veterans already facing significant challenges due to their disabilities. Advocates stress that many veterans receiving TDIU may not qualify for Social Security benefits due to insufficient work credits, making any reduction or termination of TDIU particularly devastating.
As discussions continue, the future of TDIU benefits remains a critical issue for veterans, with advocates urging policymakers to consider the unique challenges faced by those who have served.
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