A concurrent resolution to urge Congress to amend 38 USC § 5304 and 10 USC § 12316 to permit members of the United States reserves and National Guard to receive full or partial active service pay in tandem with disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Impact
If adopted, the resolution could lead to significant changes in how disability compensation is handled at the federal level. Many veterans currently face a difficult choice between maintaining their service in the reserves or National Guard and securing their financial support through VA disability compensation. By amending these statutes, the resolution could encourage greater participation of veterans in military service without compromising their financial stability. This is particularly impactful for younger veterans who may want to contribute to their military units while dealing with service-related disabilities.
Summary
HCR0004 is a concurrent resolution aimed at urging Congress to amend federal statutes to allow members of the United States reserves and National Guard to simultaneously receive active service pay along with disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Currently, under 38 USC 5304 and 10 USC 12316, service members are prohibited from receiving both forms of compensation at the same time, creating a financial burden for those who wish to serve while managing a disability. This resolution seeks to address this unjust double standard and enhance the financial security of veterans.
Contention
Supporters of HCR0004 assert that the current law discourages valuable service to the nation by creating financial risks for veterans. Critics, however, might argue about the implications of allowing concurrent receipt of both forms of compensation, raising concerns over budget impacts or potential fraudulent claims if safeguards are not properly put in place. Nevertheless, the resolution points to a growing acknowledgment of the need for policy adjustments that reflect the sacrifices of veterans while ensuring their ability to serve without jeopardizing their financial security.
A concurrent resolution to urge the United States Congress, Department of Defense, and Department of Veterans Affairs to prioritize research and investment in non-technology treatment options for servicemembers and veterans who have psychological trauma as a result of military service.
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION urging Kentucky's Congressional delegation to include Kentucky's Veterans Affairs Medical Centers into the Center for Compassionate Innovation, a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs pilot program enabling the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment for veterans with a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Urging Congress to require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide VA services to incarcerated veterans detained in state hospitals and to consider expanding such services to all incarcerated veterans.
A resolution to support the devolution of power from the United States Department of Education to the states and to urge the United States Congress to fully cooperate with these efforts.
A RESOLUTION to urge the United States Congress to require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to add COVID-19 treatments and anthrax vaccinations as pre-qualifying for care under the PACT Act.
Urging the Congress of the United States to support the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 1282) to allow all medically retired service members to receive full access to their much-deserved retirement pay and benefits.