Chuck Hagel: “As you know, current law requires that for a military retiree to receive his VA disability compensation he must waive an…”

“As you know, current law requires that for a military retiree to receive his VA disability compensation he must waive an equal part of his retirement pay. This issue is frequently referred to as 'concurrent receipt,' because it would involve the simultaneous receipt of two types of benefits. The service connected disabled military retiree is the only person that is forced to pay for their own disability compensation. A worker in private industry is not forced to pay for his own disability. Likewise, local, State and federal civil servants, appointed and elected officials are not forced to pay for their own disability compensation. For several years I have worked closely with military retirees and veterans organizations to change the law to permit receipt of all deserved benefits. This is a step that this Congress must take. It is unfair that a person who serves his or her country and has a service-connected disability can't draw both benefits.”