Jayme Hansen’s Post

On Thanksgiving Day, The Economist published an article titled "American veterans now receive absurdly generous benefits." It’s hard to imagine a less thankful message on a day dedicated to gratitude and reflection. Over 20 years ago, The Economist argued for war in an article titled "Why war would be justified." Now, the same outlet claims the cost of those wars—borne by the 1% who served on behalf of the other 99%—is too high. That shift in tone is more than ironic; it’s an insult to those who have carried the weight of two decades of conflict. The article mentions changes to the VA system starting in 2001, yet completely overlooks and attempts to erase the 20+ years of war that began shortly after. These conflicts have led to increasing needs for care, as the nature of warfare has changed significantly. Advances in medical technology and battlefield care have allowed veterans to survive injuries that would have been fatal in past wars, leading to a larger population of veterans living with lifelong, service-connected disabilities. These changes are part of the reason why costs have risen, but they reflect our growing responsibility to care for those who return home. Having worked in the veteran-serving space since 2010, I hear from veterans and their caregivers regularly. Many spend far more than their VA disability compensation on additional care—seeking holistic treatments, specialized therapies, or solutions the system doesn’t provide. It’s not uncommon for veterans to use their own resources to find relief from pain and improve their quality of life. The article’s final comment about America’s “veteran obsession” is especially troubling. Suggesting we care too much about veterans, not only misrepresents reality but poses a real risk to the future of our all-volunteer force. Trust in the promise of care and support after service is essential for recruitment and retention. Without it, we jeopardize the very foundation of our military. Of course, like any large system, the VA has problems with inefficiencies and instances of misuse but sweeping statements that dismiss the need for reform and care aren’t the answer. The full cost of war doesn’t end when the fighting stops—it continues in the lives of those who served. Calling that “absurdly generous” misses the point entirely. https://lnkd.in/gcQUEb8G

“[The Savings Fitness Worksheet] allows me to see my current financial status and practice adjusting my savings and ABLE accounts to see what effect it would have on my take home income.” In honor of #NationalVeteransAndMilitaryFamiliesMonth, revisit the LEAD Center blog, “Helping Disabled Veterans with Spending and Saving Habits,” by disabled Navy Veteran, Timothy Elliot, to learn how the U.S. Department of Labor’s Securing Your Financial Future toolkit helped Timothy take a hard look at his financial decisions and learn how to best plan for retirement. bit.ly/3uDBqx4

Project 2025 is a conservative agenda hell-bent on taking money away from veterans and active duty troops. If you’re voting Republican or Donald Trump and claimed to support the military, you should be ashamed of yourself. On this Fourth of July, you need to stop and reconsider the difference between fascism and democracy. If you’re voting for this right wing agenda, you doom our country.

I typically avoid posting on anything remotely political, but I can’t stop thinking about the Major Richard Star Act and the lack of action in Congress to move it forward. For those who may not know, there’s a glaring injustice facing combat-wounded veterans. Right now, if a veteran is medically retired with less than 20 years of service, their Department of Defense (DOD) retirement pay is reduced dollar-for-dollar by the VA disability payments they receive. Essentially, they’re penalized for their combat injuries. Here’s how this “disability tax” works: • A combat-wounded veteran medically retired after 10 years of service due to losing a limb earns $2,000/month in military retirement. They also qualify for $4,000/month in VA disability. • But instead of receiving both, the DOD deducts their $2,000 retirement, leaving them with just the $4,000 VA payment. Had that same veteran served 20 years, they would get both their retirement and VA disability payments. The Major Richard Star Act would fix this, ensuring the 42,000 combat-injured veterans whose careers were cut short by their wounds can finally receive both payments. It already has broad bipartisan support—326 cosponsors in the House and 73 in the Senate—but Congress has yet to bring it to a vote. 3/4ths of Congress sponsors it yet it won’t get voted on…this makes zero sense! This isn’t about politics. It’s about doing what’s right for those who sacrificed for this country. These veterans didn’t choose to leave their careers early—combat injuries forced them out. Why should they be financially punished for it? If this issue resonates with you, consider joining the voices calling for action. It’s time to demand that Congress prioritize this bill. These veterans deserve better. #Veterans #Leadership #Policy #MajorRichardStarAct https://lnkd.in/g5iN8FWx https://lnkd.in/gBRBxMvK DAV (Disabled American Veterans) The American Legion Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs US Congress

DAV (Disabled American Veterans) outlines three ways Congress should upgrade VA survivors benefits in the blog below. This is a reminder that keeping our shared obligation to America's veterans extends beyond the individuals who served. https://lnkd.in/gHT5g2ei

The Major Richard Star Act has had overwhelming bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives and United States Senate for the past several years now, but neither chamber will bring it to a vote due to not wanting to do the hard work to pay for it. The legislation would amend a policy and permit combat-related medically retired veterans with less than 20 years of military service to receive full earned United States Department of Defense retirement pay and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation without the dollar for dollar VA offset. Basically, in order for these Veterans to receive their VA benefits, they must sign a waiver to offset (reduce) their military retirement pay. Due to the House "CUT GO" policy that requires that existing program spending must be cut to support new spending or some other means to offset a net zero in spending, the bill is in limbo and at risk to fail once again by the end of this Congress. The nuances with the types of government spending also hinders the bill's success. Discretionary spending is approved every year and includes areas like the Defense Budget. Mandatory spending (entitlements), where this bill falls within, would be an "automatic" expense and includes areas like Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, Income Security Programs, other Federal Retirement Programs, Agricultural Subsidies, Student Loan Subsidies, etc. Oh this funding happens to pay the salaries for Federal Judges, US Congress, and POTUS. So this is the area where funding would need to be cut in order to fund the retirements owed to Combat Disabled Medically Retired Veterans. Seems like a no win situation as cutting any of these would be very unpopular amongst constituents and political suicide to actually move the Major Richard Star Act forward. This week, Congress will discuss appropriations for the FY25 NDAA and we hope this bill maybe included as an amendment to move the ball across the goal line. TBD. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Military Times The American Legion #dod #va #congess #senate #house #potus #military #veterans #disability #combat

Congress has passed legislation to provide veterans with a cost-of-living increase in their benefits next year, ensuring it aligns with Social Security adjustments. The Senate approved the bill, which is expected to be signed by President Biden, after it was also passed by the House. Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester emphasized the importance of this increase for veterans facing rising costs. The Senior Citizens League projects a 2.5% increase for 2024, which is lower than previous years' increases. Lawmakers across the aisle praised the measure, highlighting its importance for disabled veterans and their families. https://lnkd.in/edKVC-_f #veterans #veteransbenefits #marketresearch #bidstrategy #businessdevelopment #capturemanagement #dealshaping #CGE #capitalgrowthexperts

Veterans and military retirees will see a 2.5% cost-of-living increase in their benefits next year, the lowest increase since before the pandemic. While it will provide some relief, the adjustment is smaller than in recent years, with veterans receiving around $38 more each month on average. This change aligns with the Social Security rate and will take effect in January. With inflation cooling, how do you think this adjustment will impact veterans and retirees in 2024? https://lnkd.in/gcNkCkye #Veterans #MilitaryRetirees #CostOfLiving #SocialSecurity #VeteransBenefits #FinancialPlanning