Readers of Tom Philpott’s Military Update column sound off.
 
Problems Plague Disability Evaluation Systems

I read about the Bush administration’s plan for new legislation that would, in effect, allow two types of military disability systems: one for combat vets and another for others. The administration should be focusing instead on reforming a fatally flawed disability evaluation system.

The current system routinely denies service members disability retirement with its long-term benefits. It does so by finding them fit for duty when they're not; by ruling that ailments existed prior to service; by rating ailments artificially low. Too many disabled service members either are sent back to duty, endangering themselves and comrades in arms, or are given the old heave ho and severance checks.

Congress could require simple changes to make the system fairer and more transparent. For example, the services do not have specific job requirements for use in determining fitness for duty. The Army admitted it has none for officers and warrant officers. It has only physical requirements for soldiers though I've never seen them cited in a Physical Evaluation Board (PEB) decision or Board for Correction of Military Records appeal.

How can a PEB make a fitness determination without clearly enunciated job requirements?

Within the disability evaluation system there is a pervasive unwillingness to make elemental changes to ensure our warriors receive a fair break and the benefits to which they're entitled by law and regulation.

JERRY LECHLITER
Lewes, Del.

DISABILITY PAY CUT AT 65?

I am a Vietnam combat veteran who served his country in time of great need and it cost me wounds and PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder].

Now President Bush wants to do away with VA benefits when we reach 65. Because I am 100-percent total and permanently disabled, and paid into social security only for the 12 years I was in the military, that would leave me with less than $200 a month. And I am married and have two children under the age of three.

It's really unfair for the government we defended during the Vietnam War to take away what is rightfully ours. This is a slap in the face to all who served this great nation of ours.

There will come a day, when soldiers will refuse to fight to defend this great country of ours and that is very sad indeed.

JOE CORONADO
Via e-mail

President Bush hasn’t proposed eliminating veterans’ disability compensation at age 65 for persons receiving such payments.

The Dole-Shalala Commission has proposed a major overhaul of the duel disability compensation systems run by the departments of Defense and of Veterans Affairs for wounded warriors of Iraq and Afghanistan. The overhaul includes providing an immediate DoD annuity to anyone forced from service by combat-related injuries or ailments; a lifetime VA quality-of-life payment; and a transition payment for earning loss similar to current VA disability compensation. That transition payment would end at age 65 presumably when social security begins. However, it would be part of a triple payment package.

Bush is expected this month to ask the Congress to adopt these changes for disabled warriors of Iraq and Afghanistan. No decision has been made to make these changes to disabled veterans of past conflicts. – Tom Philpott

SURGERY FOR OBESITY

I am one of the many obese veterans who need help with their weight. The Department of Veterans Affairs will not pay for or consult with veterans regarding bariatric [gastric bypass] surgery.

If VA won't do such surgeries then many of us feel they should refer us to outside help. Some hospitals do them but not all.

VA always says it is hurting for money. But I believe if they performed these surgeries, they can save a lot of our lives to diabetes, high blood pressure and other weight-related ailments.

GREG B.
Via e-mail

The VA does offer gastric bypass surgery for those veterans who meet the necessary criteria but not all VA medical facilities perform this surgery.

Veterans interested in gastric bypass surgery would need to make inquiry at their local VA medical facility to see if they meet the required criteria for the procedure and, if allowed, where and when it can be performed. – Tom Philpott

‘PRIORITY 8’ ENROLLEES

I don't think we should reopen enrollment in the VA healthcare system to Priority Group 8 veterans -- those who have no service-connected disabilities and have incomes that exceed a VA means test -- unless we also agree to help those Vietnam veterans waiting for their benefits.

Vietnam vets fought just as hard as today’s soldiers, if not harder given the benefits of modern technology. To be fair to Vietnam veterans, the VA should get its backlog of claims and appointments fixed before worrying about reopening healthcare to new Group 8 enrollees.

C. MATSON
Via e-mail

SAVING TRICARE PRIME

[This responds to a recent Military Update describing how a new generation of TRICARE support contracts could encourage contractors to eliminate TRICARE Prime service areas located more than 40 miles from military bases.]

I am a widow. My husband served 26 years in the military and was proud of the fact that he was able to provide for my health insurance. I am on TRICARE Prime and live 56 miles from an active base. I cannot afford to go with TRICARE Standard, with its higher cost shares for beneficiaries.

Our government has an obligation to those who served in war to protect our freedom and our country. Promises were made to these servicemen and women. I would hate to think this promise will not be kept.

CYNTHIA HILLING
Garland, Texas

Letters may be edited for clarity or length.  Write to Military Forum, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA  20120-1111, send e-mail to militaryforum@aol.com or visit www.militaryupdate.com

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