Vets Commission Info

[carlie]

From: "Vets Commission" <veterans@vetscommission.intranets.com>

Subject: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Date: Tue, 16 May 2006 15:32:30 +0000 (America/Los_Angeles)

Thank you for taking the time to express your experiences, thoughts, and opinions to the Commission

related to its pending decision whether or not to include Social Security Disability Insurance

(SSDI) in its analysis of compensation and earnings of service-connected veterans in order to assure

that they are properly compensated for their disabilities.

Your views are being considered in preparation for an anticipated decision on May 19, 2006, on this

matter.

In response to your concerns, we also wanted to provide you with additional background on the

Commission’s deliberations and intent as well as to address possible misconceptions that seem to be

surfacing in different forums.

There are allegations on the internet and distributed through (email) mailing lists, for example,

that claim the Commission intends to propose offsetting benefits or reducing benefits. These

allegations are misinformation and a serious disservice to both the Commission and all veterans.

This is definitely not the intent of the Commission.

Of the thirteen Commissioners, twelve are veterans and nine are combat veterans. Combined they have

over 260 years of military experience and many service honors, accomplishments, and awards. The men

and woman who serve on the Commission are dedicated to conducting a thorough, objective, and

impartial assessment of the full range of programs and services intended to meet the needs of

disabled service members, veterans, and survivors. The Commission exercises this mandate with an

acute awareness and deep appreciation of the service and sacrifices made by those who are most

affected—the service disabled and survivors.

There also seems to be some confusion between SSDI and Social Security retirement benefits.

Understanding the Differences between SSDI and Social Security Retirement Benefits

SSDI is a benefit for individuals who are below the normal eligibility (retirement) age for Social

Security and are unable to work. They must meet criteria within a narrow definition of disability

and have a medical condition expected to last a minimum of one year or result in death that prevents

them from working. At about age 65, recipients of SSDI then convert to Social Security retirement

benefits.

While the Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DoD) programs compensate individuals

with partial disability, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not. SSA regulations also

restrict how much a person may earn and continue to qualify for SSDI (VA and DoD do not).

Currently, the income limit for SSDI recipients is $860 per month.

The Commission’s consideration of SSDI does not extend to regular Social Security retirement

benefits.

Background on SSDI and Commission Discussions

There are some veterans in receipt of VA disability compensation who also receive SSDI. The SSDI

payment may cover the same disability, a combination of service-connected and non service-connected

disabilities, or disabilities completely unrelated to military service. The frequency and amount of

SSDI benefits received by disabled veterans are currently unknown. At issue is whether the

Commission should collect this information and include it in its assessment of the appropriateness

of the level of benefits provided to veterans for disabilities resulting from military service.

During the March 2006 meeting, the Commissioners discussed the law establishing the Commission

(Public Law 108-136) and its charter as background for further discussion on the SSDI matter.

Specific focus centered on interpreting the intent of Congress when creating the law and what that

means in terms of the Commission’s authorities. The Commission members also discussed how data

could be acquired from SSA and how it could be matched to data from VA as well as how results could

be interpreted if SSA data were collected.

At the end of the March meeting, the Commission elected to defer a decision on SSDI until the May

meeting so that the Commission staff could research the relevance and usefulness of SSDI data.

Commission Chairman Scott offered the Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees of the House

and Senate an opportunity to comment on the issue.

A combined document, reporting Chairman Scott’s request and the responses, is posted on the

Commission web site at: http://www.vetscommission.org/documents/SSDI_Clarification of Congressional

Intent.pdf

The Commission meets monthly (with a few exceptions). The meetings are open to the public and time

is set aside at these sessions for public comment.

You will find frequent updates to Commission materials and other information including announcements

of our monthly meetings on our website at http://www.vetscommission.org.

[Guest fla_viking]

Dear Fellow Veterans & Friendes

It looks like they want to take away SSDI who collect VA comp for the same injury. That would wipe out allot of veterans bennifits. I was talking to a railroad worker and her husband had offset his Rail road pension from the VA. I guess they did that a long time ago.

The young peole today dont feel social security wont be for them in the future. Start taking away social security because we dont rely alone on SS for income and you are taking away the reasons we contrubute.

The commission report is a littel confusing wherein they talk about not offseting anyones benifts and then they talk about SSDI and VA comp for the same disablity.

Terry Higgins

[Bound4heaven]

Terry,

I got the same e-mail response from them. It appears it is standard politics. They say one thing and they say another in regards to the same issue. These guys are wolves in sheeps clothing. I just cannot even imagine this issue is even on the table. For those who might say they are not trying to take away our earned and lawful benefits are defending lawlessness. They have no legal right to do what they are doing, however with all the scandals in politics it seems intergity has no value or meaning, and for those who defend it as just as guilty. God bless you.

Bound4Heaven

[Guest jstacy]

My Letter to the Commission.

I have read the history and are well aware of the intention of the Commission. I want to present a point opinion with true clarity.

SSDI is a benefit that a worker is required to pay in 40 quarters of SSA to receive the benefit.

I have one problem with the commission and the activity it has undertaken. To Vote yes for this change is not only taking money away from Disabled Veterans but also takes money away from the Children the veterans who are receiving SSDI benefits.

I assure you that if that did occur, Then the political fallout by the Veterans organizations as well as the Democratic Party would be immense.

One sure thing, There are allot of disabled Veterans ( Voters) who would reflect their opinions in a different manner. ( Election day)

I advise that this issue be laid to rest. We can spend our resources doing something productive Like changing Social security and removing the Income cap so the wealthy will pay the same percentage as the middle class.

Thank you for your time.

John M Stacy

CC:The Honorable Ben Chandler