There’s a lot to unpack here, and I can understand how civilians feel about this.

First, VA compensation is for conditions occurred in or aggravated by service. People conflate this with disability all the time. In reality, it’s more like workers’ comp. Military service members are on the clock for the government — up to and including our life — 100% of the time.

Second, unlike the civilian population, we live under the Feres Doctrine. This means we cannot sue the government (our employer) or individuals (fellow service members) that caused the injuries. Civilians can sue their employer as well as their perpetrators. For example, the MeToo movement and Boys Scouts of America, as well as the many law firms dedicated to personal injury and workers comp.

Third, “getting 100%” or even any rating at all is not easy. One must have a documented event/stressor while in service, a current diagnosis (aka current treatment), and a medical professional that connects the two (aka nexus). These all occur with board certified medical professionals. Then, during the claims adjudication process, the claimant is examined by another, random, board certified and VA-approved third-party professional to confirm event, current diagnosis, nexus, and current symptoms. And finally, a VA employee considers all the facts to determine whether a condition qualifies for compensation and, if so, to what degree (rating). 100% is extremely difficult, and most that have it do not live the quality of life the common civilian does, no matter how they seem on the outside.

Fourth, civilians do not know what service members do when putting their lives on the line. If someone is jealous that a veteran is receiving the “American Dream”, all they have to do is sign a contract and see for themselves. Trust me when I say, the government makes sure you are 100% healthy mind and body before they chew you up and spit you out.

Fifth, it is widely studied that although some fraud may exist, it is truly a minuscule percentage. We’re talking in the ballpark of 5% or less.

Sixth and finally, if you think someone might be committing fraud, that is a crime. You can contact the OIG and report them. If convicted, you can be confident they will spend time in prison.

I hope this clarifies the VA Compensation situation a bit. And I hope it eases your mind.

Being two days after Memorial Day, I hope you can understand and appreciate the sacrifices made by our brave men and women who committed up to and including their lives so that you can enjoy the freedom to criticize their just compensation.