condition even though he wasn't getting compensation? Or, would the condition now be considered not to exist? The cost-savings to the government would be great and the cost to the veteran could be catastrophic.

• What about another condition that occurs that is secondary to the original service-connected condition? How would that fit in? An example would be a veteran who receives disability for a bad knee. As that knee gets worse with age, back problems can arise and that could constitute a secondary disability that could be compensated.

• Would the VA stop at the 10 per cent and 20 per cent disability ratings? Many feel that this would be just the beginning and that once the door is open, all disability ratings could be up for a lump-sum buyout.

• Would the buyouts be retroactive? Or, would only “new” veterans fall under the plan? The largest savings for the government would be gained by including veterans currently receiving disability.

• And, would the buyouts be mandatory or optional? The savings for the government would be greatest with a mandatory buyout plan. Could this be imposed on veterans?

The biggest question of all is: How can you buy-out a disability? Veterans receive disability compensation because their ability to perform everyday tasks has been diminished by wounds or injuries sustained while on active-duty. The compensation paid by the VA is meant to make up for income lost due to the disabilities. A lump-sum payment is antithetical to the concept of on-going compensation for an on-going disability.

Veterans and their families cannot underestimate the power being wielded by the VDBC. They truly are an instrument for “radical changes in the VA disability system.” Their recommendations could forever alter the system of veterans’ benefits in this country, leaving our veterans, their widows and children with fewer benefits and less compensation. Is this what our veterans deserve? Veterans’ benefits are not a gift. They are not a welfare program. They are earned through service to country. They must not be diminished in any way.

Washington watchers feel the VDBC will approve the concept of lump-sum buyouts. We know the White House will approve. But, will Congress fall into line? Just another thing to think about when we go to the polls in November.

The VDBC’s report to the President and Congress is due in late 2007.

#1   More on Jim Nicholson

#2   More on the VDBC

#3   More on Rep. Steve Buyer