Veterans Affairs

By Robert W Vaughn

Truly honoring our nations' veterans and their sacrifices and getting the benefits, they deserve.

Here in Los Angeles, private land that was deeded by a family to show appreciation to disabled American veterans in the 1800' is under attack. Acres of land dedicated into perpetuity to our servicemen and women, have been illegally leased to wealthy land owners to use as their private playground. Any nation willing to ask its men and women to risk their lives must also be willing to fulfill the promises that were made to them. Providing adequate care to our veterans is of the utmost importance.

Existing federal rules force disabled veterans to give up their military retirement pay in order to receive VA disability benefits. Every VA disability dollar paid to a veteran is deducted from his retirement pay, effectively creating a disabled veterans tax. No other group of federal employees is subject to this immoral, unfair standard.

Ultimately, we can best honor both our veterans and our current armed forces by changing our foreign policy to one that best serves America'interests. Today'soldiers are our future veterans, and they should never be sent to war without clear objectives that serve definite American national security interests.

I support:

Reforming the VA to ensure efficient and affordable care and benefits to our nation' veterans. Offering tax credits to employers who hire veterans. Removing the gap between military and private contractor pay scales within the military. Restoring health care coverage to retired service members and reducing their out-of-pocket costs. Providing all necessary treatments to veterans suffering from illnesses and injuries incurred during active duty. The requirement that disabled veterans give up their military retirement pay in order to receive VA disability benefits must end. Having served in our U.S. Navy for four years, and as many of my family members who have also given life and service to this great nation, I understand the circumstances of our veterans and we have an obligation to correct the wrongs our service members have endured. As your Congressional Representative, I will fight endlessly to ensure our veterans receive the care and respect they deserve.