Veterans advocate exposes flaws in VA Fiduciary Program and its impact on constitutional rights

Veterans' rights took center stage at the recent Oversight Hearing of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, where critical concerns about the VA Fiduciary Program were raised. Testimonies from veterans highlighted the program's flawed practices, particularly the unjust linking of financial incompetency to dangerousness, which can have devastating effects on veterans' lives.

One veteran passionately described the program as a "gross injustice," arguing that it unfairly targets those from lower-income backgrounds. He shared his personal journey, emphasizing how a financial mismanagement label could have derailed his successful career in education and finance. "Determination is often made without judicial or medical oversight," he stated, calling for a reevaluation of how these decisions are made.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) also voiced strong support for protecting veterans' constitutional rights, advocating for improvements in the process to ensure due process. They proposed several actionable recommendations, including requiring a second medical exam before determining incompetency and conducting interviews in teams for safety and accuracy. The VFW stressed that not being able to manage finances does not equate to being a danger to oneself or others.

Concerns were raised about the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) referrals, which can strip veterans of their Second Amendment rights. The VFW noted that many veterans are unaware of their appeal rights and often do not successfully challenge these determinations. "Some veterans fear disclosing conditions that could lead to disqualification from firearm ownership," a representative explained, highlighting the need for a more transparent and fair process.

As the hearing concluded, the call for reform was clear: veterans deserve a system that respects their rights and provides fair assessments. The discussions underscored the urgent need for changes to the VA Fiduciary Program to protect those who have served the nation.