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VFW Strongly Opposes Disability Benefit Cuts Included in Proposed Take Care of America's Veterans Act

 

VFW National Commander: "A grateful nation pays its debts to veterans; it does not send them the invoice.”

WASHINGTON (June 11, 2026) – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) stands defiant in its opposition against provisions contained within the proposed Take Care of America’s Veterans Act,H.R. 9237 and S. 4744, which would offset the cost of expanding benefits for combat-injured veterans by cutting disability compensation and health care access for future generations of disabled veterans.

"The VFW strongly opposes the Take Care of America's Veterans Act as currently drafted because it asks future disabled veterans to bear the cost of expanding benefits through changing the VA rating schedule for tinnitus and obstructive sleep apnea which are common conditions associated with combat poly trauma,” said VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore. "We have long maintained that veterans' benefits are an earned obligation of the nation, a promise made through the military service contract, and should not be financed through offsets, fee increases or reductions that place additional burdens on veterans, military families and survivors.”

According to VA estimates, these changes could reduce disability compensation payments by approximately $57 billion over ten years and affect up to 1.5 million veterans. The VFW vehemently rejects these provisions not only because they would unfairly penalize disabled veterans, but also because they set a dangerous precedent by allowing Congress to alter disability ratings for budgetary purposes rather than relying on medical evidence and the established principles of the VA rating schedule.

"Congress should Honor the Contract and strengthen veterans' programs without creating new costs for those who sacrifice in service to our country,” said Whitmore. "A grateful nation pays its debts to veterans; it does not send them the invoice.”

The VFW is urging Congress to remove the disability compensation offset provisions from the legislation and identify alternative funding mechanisms that do not come at the expense of disabled veterans and their families.

Veterans, service members, family members and supporters are encouraged to contact their elected officials and urge them to oppose the disability compensation offset provisions contained in the bill.