VA System Needs to be Updated

The Veteran’s Affairs Department (VA) has no problem admitting that they need to continually update their rating schedule, but it does argue against the need to update the entire retirement and disability systems. Fortunately, the subcommittee on memorial affairs and disability assistance is not backing down. They say that the system is ‘archaic’ and does not meet the needs of today’s veterans.

Members of the subcommittee state that the system needs improvements, from updating neurological criteria to showing progress in medical and science. They are worried that the system does not serve those with post traumatic stress disorder, or those who are disabled at a young age and suffer from a loss of quality of life.

The system has made progress, but 35 percent of the rating schedule codes have not been updated since 1945. One of the biggest issues they point out is that a veteran who is 100 percent disabled physically can still work and keep his compensation, whereas a veteran who is disabled 100 percent due to a mental disorder loses his compensation if he can find work.

Many are requesting and suggesting changes in this system to better serve Veterans, especially those with post traumatic stress disorder. While the VA is still showing no signs of changing the entire system, the debate is ongoing.







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