Senior executives at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) have come under fire for awarding themselves nearly $10.8 million in bonuses, despite a significant backlog of nearly one million veterans waiting for decisions on their claims. Senators Rick Scott and Marsha Blackburn have called for the return of these bonuses and the firing of those responsible. Additionally, President Biden has initiated a series of events to highlight a bipartisan law signed two years ago aimed at helping veterans exposed to burn pits or other toxins receive care more easily. Meanwhile, for-profit companies have been exploiting the system by charging veterans substantial fees for assistance in filing disability claims, which should be free by law. This has occurred despite Congress approving hundreds of billions for veterans' disability compensation and the passage of a $280 billion bipartisan agreement to add new benefits and healthcare for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. The rollout of this program has faced numerous issues, enabling the growth of an industry profiting from veterans' needs, supported by powerful lobbyists and court documents.
Veterans became eligible for billions. These firms saw a chance to profit. https://t.co/8a6EJQa4Yv https://t.co/UdfbnikeKl
For-profit companies raking in millions by helping vets apply for disability benefits, despite laws forbidding firms from cashing in. Outstanding reporting by @Reinlwapo No paywall https://t.co/JoNfqP1mkU
Senators savored the passage of a sweeping, bipartisan agreement to add $280 billion in new benefits and health care for millions of veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. But glitches, slowdowns and other mishaps have dogged the program’s rollout — and enabled the growth of an… https://t.co/Gfid64KkJ3
Congress approved hundreds of billions for veterans disability compensation But veterans have faced a massive backlog & impenetrable bureaucracy Despite investigations & USG warnings, for-profit companies w/ powerful lobbyists & big campaign contributions are now making tens of…
Interviews with current and former employees, VA officials and court documents reveal a booming industry that charges veterans anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 for help filing disability claims that by law should be free. https://t.co/4VM4r77V8m
Veterans became eligible for billions. These firms saw a chance to profit. Via @ReinLWapo https://t.co/7xeW90yNuP
While nearly one million veterans are waiting on a decision for their claims, @DeptVetAffairs executives gave themselves $10.8 million in bonuses. All involved need to be held accountable. @patriciakime https://t.co/oQ64X2icBL
President Biden kicks off a series of events that will focus on members of the military by highlighting a bipartisan law he signed two years ago to help veterans who’ve been exposed to burn pits or other poisons more easily receive care. https://t.co/qxvDdUQKkM
Senior executives at the VA should immediately return the nearly $11 million in unjustified bonuses distributed & fire those responsible for this mishandling of taxpayer money. VA dollars should be supporting our veterans, not lining bureaucrats' pockets. https://t.co/1XQFmp6N0Z