Reid bill would boost veterans aid

Friday, April 21, 2000 | 10:49 a.m.

A bill that would allow disabled veterans to collect full military retirement pay and disability compensation at the same time has been introduced by Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev.

The legislation, introduced Tuesday, seeks to fix an inequity in federal retirement benefits for veterans whose disabilities are service connected. Reid announced the legislation with members of Nevada's veterans advocacy groups.

"Nevada's disabled veterans shouldn't be forced to choose between retirement pay or losing a portion of their benefits connected to a service-related disability," Reid said.

"(Veterans) deserve to be treated equitably under the law. This legislation will honor the sacrifice of disabled veterans."

Reid's legislation, S 2357, the Armed Forces Concurrent Retirement and Disability Act, would affect about 400,000 military retirees who would collect an estimated $1.9 billion more per year. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.

Under current law, disabled veterans who participate in the military retiree pension system and receive disability compensation must waive a portion of their retirement pay equal to the amount they receive in disability compensation.

Members of the armed forces are eligible for retirement after 20 years or more of military service. Disability compensation is given to veterans injured in the line of duty.

Reid's legislation is supported by the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and the Paralyzed Veterans of America.