CONCURRENT RECEIPT

Thanks to the grassroots efforts of our members. Congress has restored hope that some military longevity retirees with service connected-disabilities may receive both their retirement pay and VA disability compensation without offset. The House Budget Committee included $516 million dollars in FY 2003 Budget Resolution to fund concurrent receipt. The amount would increase annually over the following five years, building to a total of more than $6 billion dollars by FY 2007. The Senate budget resolution contains the same funding levels for concurrent receipt as the House version, but the Senate's resolution is projected for 10 years, rather than six, for a total of 17.8 billion.

The Armed Services Committees will determine how the money is allocated. The Senate and House Budget Committees recommended that any military longevity retirees with VA disability ratings of 60 percent or higher be eligible. If their recommendation were followed, eligible retirees would receive both military longevity retired pay and VA disability compensation in FY 2007. In FY 2003, they would receive approximately two and a half times their current level of special pay. Provisions for special pay would be revoked and the new provision for concurrent receipt will not require that retirees must have been rated at 60 percent or higher within four years of separation from the military.

Additionally, S.2051 was introduced in the Senate. This bill would remove the contingencies placed in last year's concurrent receipt provision in the Defense Authorization Act. In short, offsetting legislation would not be necessary to fund concurrent receipt. If this legislation is passed, full concurrent receipt would be established for all eligible retirees, effective October 1, 2002.

We are encouraged that meaningful steps are being taken to end the unfair ban against concurrent receipt. We applaud the House and Senate Budget Committee members for ensuring concurrent receipt in this year's budget cycle. We are also grateful for S. 2051 and will encourage its support. The DAV will continue to fight for full concurrent receipt for all disabled military longevity retirees. Their sacrifices and dedication to our nation must be honored.

BILLS INTRODUCED IN THE 107TH CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

H. R. 3826, Former Prisoners of War Equitable Dental Benefits Act, to amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal the requirement that, for former prisoners of war to be eligible for VA dental benefits, they must have been interned for a specified minimum period of time.

H. R. 4018, to amend title 3 8, United States Code, to make improvements in judicial review of administrative decisions of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

S. 2043, to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend by five years the provision period for noninstitutional extended care services and required nursing home care.

S. 2044, to improve and expand specialized mental health services to veterans.

S. 2051, to remove the requirement that funding for concurrent receipt must be offset from some other government program. Would fully authorize concurrent receipt for all eligible veterans.

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