2023 House Concurrent Resolution 4

Whereas, Many United States veterans may receive disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) while also receiving income from gainful employment. VA disability compensation is available for those who have an illness or injury affecting their mind or body that was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Offering this additional compensation to veterans who work to support themselves supplements their income and strengthens their financial security, the least our nation can offer to those who have sacrificed so much for it; and

Whereas, Currently, federal statute prohibits individuals serving in the National Guard or the military reserves from simultaneously receiving VA disability compensation and active service pay. Under 38 USC § 5304(c) and 10 USC § 12316, veterans are not allowed to receive VA disability pay for periods for which they receive active service pay, with a narrow exception for those called to active duty for an extended time during a war or national emergency. As a result, members of the reserves or National Guard must waive either their VA disability compensation or their active duty pay for full-time training and drills, and the government may take back any excess payments these service members receive; and

Whereas, The rule forbidding simultaneous receipt of VA disability compensation and active service pay for work as a member of the reserves or National Guard is an unjust double standard that disincentivizes service to our nation. Many veterans are willing and able to serve in the reserves or National Guard despite their service-related disabilities, but if they choose further service to their country over other employment, they lose the opportunity to receive VA disability compensation to support themselves and their families. These veterans are faced with a bitter choice between their financial needs and comfort and their duty to their units and their country. The United States should not have policies that actively discourage honorable veterans from continuing to serve, and our laws should reflect the gratitude we hold for them; and

Whereas, Many Michigan veterans could benefit from the repeal of the prohibition on simultaneous receipt of VA disability compensation and active service pay. As of 2021, 83.9 percent of the individuals serving in the reserves or National Guard in Michigan were under the age of 41. In fiscal year 2019, 25,917 individuals between ages 17 and 44 received VA disability compensation in Michigan. Many of these individuals may be ready and able to serve in the reserves or National Guard, but they are actively discouraged from doing so to protect their financial security; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That we 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; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, the members of the Michigan congressional delegation, and the Secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.