Spratt Helps to Pass Bill to Compensate More Disabled Military Retirees

U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) today helped to pass a bill to compensate more disabled military retires. The “Disabled Military Retiree Act” (HR 2990) would allow more service members who have been retired for severe disability to receive both military retirement benefits and VA disability compensation without an offset. As chairman of the Budget Committee, Spratt worked to find ways to pay for the bill within the budget, assuring passage in the House. The vote was 404 to 0.

“Our veterans and their families have sacrificed greatly,” said Spratt. “This small step will give them full access to the benefits they deserve, without adding to the deficit.”

Spratt said the bill covers more “Chapter 61” retirees — those forced by their disabilities to retire before they could complete 20 years of service and could earn military retirement benefits based on the longevity of their service. They currently receive only military benefits that are offset by their VA disability compensation.

To qualify to receive both without an offset, service members must have been medically retired from the military and have been rated either 100 percent disabled or 90 percent disabled. The period of eligibility would begin on January 1, 2010 and end on September 30, 2010.

Spratt said the bill is a temporary fix but that Congress is working to find a permanent solution to the compensation problem.