Pete Hegseth Attacks Veterans For Using Government Benefits

1SG John Furr , I have the resources and have never used any if my GI Bill benefits nor have I used the VA and don't plan on it barring some catastrophe that makes it necessary. The suggestion that my premise suggests fake claims is not acceptable. I have a friend who didn't spend 20 years in, was not wounded and began to use the VA services after his resources were exhausted. He was being treated for throat cancer which was from his exposure to agent orange. He had the same attitude as I, will not take up space when it is better used serving those who should be utilizing the VA. Money cones into play for me because I have it and for him because his medical expenses forced him into using the VA. He passed from that cancer. He has been gone 2 years now and I continue to carry him in my heart.

1SG John Furr , Pete Hegseth said that he could be rated 50% but chooses not to be because he wants to be independent. Depending on what that 50% is the medical costs can be burdensome. He has the resources to not utilize his rating. I know plenty of veterans who can't afford to do that. Their service connected disability requires attention but the resources are not there to make the decision Pete has made. I like Pete's decision as it is the decision I have made. Eventually, after exhausting his resources, my friend had to do what so many others have done, utilize the VA. I have no way of knowing who should or shouldn't be using the VA. I was simply pointing out his decision is easier to make when financial resources are available.

What he fails to realize is that you can never get to 100%, you can get close but each diagnosis is only what is "allowed" of the amount of disability for that diagnosis! The other thing he doesn't mentions is the damage caused by the spraying of defoliants and burning pits. These things never "go away" and it's very hard to get a rating if you don't apply within 1 year of leaving the Military.

This article shows how far right they really are.