VA Disability Disparity

According to the AP and Cleveland.com there is significant disparity between states in average annual disability payments to veterans.

For example, veterans in Ohio receiving disability payments rank second to last in the amount of money they get, $4,800 less than those in New Mexico.

Federal lawmakers are looking into the matter, questioning why certain states collect thousands of dollars more. Rep. Zack Space of Ohio, introduced the Veterans Disability Fairness Act last week, which calls for increased scrutiny of the VA's compensation program.

One of the reasons for the disparity is each state's veterans' system has its own standards for disability. A veteran in one state may be deemed only be partially disabled and eligible for a small payment while in a different state that same vet could be considered a more serious case resulting in a larger payment.

Terri from A Soldier's Mind feels this issue needs a remedy:

This is a problem that definitely need to be fixed. Our veterans, regardless of the state they reside in, should be compensated the same for their injuries. Each state should have the same rating system in place and follow the exact same guidelines. Training is a must, for those who are making those decisions. I look at it this way … our veterans have given a portion of their lives to serve our country and they should, each and every one of them, be shown the respect, by compensating them in the same manner. That’s the least they deserve.

-Dippold

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