Veterans Disability Lawyer News: A Benefits Reduction in the Works?

On March 30, President Obama announced his support for the reduction of military retirement pay by about 20 percent as a way to sustain veterans’ benefits well into the future. The idea was based on the recommendations of a military commission. Apart from the proposed reduction, the recommendations include a new defined-contribution scheme for troops who leave before 20 years of service.

According to the Washington Times, the President sent a letter to congressional leaders saying that their recommendations are “an important step forward in protecting the long-term viability of the all-volunteer force, improving quality-of-life for service members and their families, and ensuring the fiscal sustainability of the military compensation and retirement systems.” The article adds that the President ordered tweaks to be made before the recommendations are sent to Congress on April 30.

A blow to your finances

Whether or not the proposal will affect disability benefits remains to be seen. That being said, it can be frustrating to suddenly find your disability benefits reduced. After years of serving the country, being away from your family, getting injured, and finally obtaining disability benefits, you might think the end of your sacrifices is in sight. You may believe that the monthly benefits will go on without changing as long as you live, but in truth, the government can and will reduce your benefits if they deem it necessary.

Are you protected or unprotected?

Normally, Veterans Affairs (VA) can reduce what you receive monthly if you have an ‘unprotected benefit rate.’ You can tell if you have an unprotected rate if your disability rating is above the minimum for your disability but below 100 percent, and if you have been receiving benefits for less than five years.

However, although it will be harder for the VA to do so, having a protected rate is not a guarantee that your benefits won’t be reduced. If you want your benefits protected, you need to consult highly experienced veterans disability lawyers.

What will a disability lawyer do?

A good disability lawyer won’t pressure you to pursue a case that will not succeed. What such a lawyer will do is explain the law in detail and work with you to build a good, workable plan. If you choose to retain the lawyer’s counsel, he or she can put that plan into action to seek the outcome you want.

If you feel the need to discuss your potential reduction, a knowledgeable veterans disability lawyer like Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law can help.

(Source: Obama supports reduction in military retirement pay, Washington Times, Mar. 30, 2015)

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