Question:
Once again CBO recommending cuts or elimination to TDIU recipients. This time however, it feels different because of the political climate and Trump wealthy backers labeling anyone getting disability "Takers". I lived in an era when vets went underground for fear of being ostracized . I am getting the same kind of feeling now but it seems more clandestine and sneaky now. Are you hearing anything from your sources that this might be the same old BS that comes up at budget time or is it different this time? Any thoughts or suggestions on being proactive? or should we just keep our head? down and pray the government will stand by their veterans this time?
Jim's Reply:
The CBO document is scheduled to last for a few more years so we'll not hear the end of it in my lifetime. https://www.cbo.gov/budget-options/2018/54749
However, there is no active legislation to cut those benefits today. To do such a thing requires that a courageous Congressperson author a bill to enact such legislation as it would take to change how the system works. This sort of action is known as a 3rd rail in politics, no politician in their right mind wants to set off the veterans lobbyists. Even though the CBO puts it out there, to my knowledge only one Congressperson has actually tried and she didn't make any progress and is no longer in Congress.
For the veteran who is currently drawing both the TDIU benefit and a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or other similar benefits, there is nothing at all happening to make me thing the benefits are in danger.
Having said that, benefits will change over time and in different eras. Change is natural and necessary and it happens at VA all the time. WWI benefits differ from Korean War benefits and so on. The good news is that when a benefit changes, existing beneficiaries don't see a change...the change is for future veterans. Think about the GI Bill...it's nothing like mine was in 1970.
I hear you, you're right to be concerned. The current administration is rattling swords and tilting at windmills and stirring it up but the reality is, it's mostly smoke and mirrors. You won't lose your benefits any time soon...if ever.