VA Benefits: Labor Group Issues Warning About Cuts Impacting 1.5 Million
Summary
A coalition of labor groups, including the AFL-CIO, is warning that a new veterans’ benefits bill could cut or reduce disability payments for up to 1.5 million veterans. While the bill adds some new benefits, it may also cut compensation for common conditions like sleep apnea and tinnitus and increase the use of private healthcare providers instead of VA care.Key Facts
- The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and about 20 other labor groups oppose the veterans’ benefits bill.
- The bill is called the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act and includes the Major Richard Star Act provisions.
- The Major Richard Star Act would allow some combat-injured veterans to receive full military retirement pay alongside VA disability benefits.
- To pay for new benefits, the bill proposes cutting or reducing disability payments for conditions like tinnitus and sleep apnea.
- Approximately 1.5 million veterans could lose or see cuts to their disability compensation.
- The bill could lead to more care being provided outside the VA system, increasing reliance on private healthcare providers.
- Labor groups argue that cutting benefits and pushing privatization could harm veterans who depend on VA services.
- About half of VA-funded medical care is already provided by outside providers, and the bill may accelerate this trend.
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