Congress must act
Disabled veterans are grossly under-compensated. They have been asking Congress for fair pay since 1918.
This injustice is causing enlistments to dry up.
In fiscal year 2023, a totally disabled veteran with no dependents is compensated at the ridiculous rate of $43,463.40.
The National Average Wage Index for 2021 was $60,575.07 per annum and the median income for 2021 was $70,784.
The per capita GDP in 2021 was $69,288.
The basic reason for their gross under compensation situation is because they are only compensated for projected loss of wages due to their disabilities.
They are not compensated for their low quality of life so as to keep taxation low for the wealthy elites.
So the people that had their assets and overseas business interests protected the most by our broken former troops, pay essentially nothing to support them in their brokenness.
Congress must correct this now!
Anita Anne Eckerson, Honolulu
Anita Anne Eckerson, response from a 100% disabled veteran. First, your $43,436.40 VA compensation for being 100% disabled is a “net” value, for the total amount is not taxed by the Federal and State governments. The VA compensation cannot be compared with the $70,784.00 median “taxable income”. Second, the benefits gained for your disability, such as entry into Military Bases and use of all their Recreational Facilities (golf courses) and Commissary and Exchanges is part of your compensation. Third, all your medical, burial, and others are fully paid for by VA. Fourth, in Hawaii, property taxes are 100% exempted (except for $300) as long as you reside on the property and there is a discount in your auto registration. For me, I never expected any benefits for my military service and time in Vietnam, yet after I retired from the private sector, and became involved with the VA, the VA has become a huge bonus for my wife and me. The VA, the citizens of the United States really do take care of their Veterans, thank you VA and a very Happy New Year.
Is that the correct numbers on the veterans? Assuming of course they live in an affordable home that was taken years ago. And not old folks home. Spending money on those veterans would be a good incentive for the veterans. I have not seen any federal aide coming to on the local level. And working employment is still picking up. So slowly by slowly coming along is the economy. That is a good idea. More jobs locally. But who’s the schmoe in your area to actually bring in these funds to begin with? I don’t see any local politician coming close to making a difference and bringing in the money. The fact is these politicians are useless and people are stuck in unemployment and welfare or homeless.