http://www.crlegislation.com/ We strive to have the most current and accurate online information regarding Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) and Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) legislation OMB/DOD/CRS Author: CWO3(BOSN) Wayne H. Farnum, USCG, Ret. (209.165.12.73) - 12/21/2004 (02:11) E-Mail: The Office of Management and Budget, (TOMB); is under the executive Branch, (literally). Last year's director had to resign, suddenly. He allowed a proposal that would have: 1. taken VA Compensation away from many, many veterans; including those who were vested; (to hell with existing statutes) 2. closed VA hospitals 3. riff'ed VA staff The Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) got wind of this activity, at their National Convention. They stopped all business and mobilized their national, state, and chapter staffs; using computers and telephone banks. They faxed, / E-mailed copies of the OMB proposal. Within a very short time-frame, President bush was speaking to a large gathering of the hierarchy of all the VSO's. This was not scheduled, or announced. He was asking them to support the supplemental appropriation,($87 Billion), for the Iraqi invasion. They were not pleased. The ill-fated proposal was on their minds. OMB promised Congress that the $87 Billion would be paid back , and it outlined exactly how. Now you know. The VSO's reception of the President's plea for support was frosty, to put it mildly. Shortly thereafter, the OMB director found other employment. When Dependent's Indemnity Compensation, (DIC), was the 'hot-button a few short years ago, widows were compensated, based on the deceased's rank, E-3, for example). TOMB stated that there were at least 250,000 wheel-chair veterans, (among several categories); recommending against a change that would have set DIC at the E-7 rate, as a minimum. PVA proved by actual count, there were only 28,000. Congress was very upset at the figures provided by TOMB, and changed the law in our favor. (Progress is measured in inches.) It wasn't but a year or two ago that DOD commissioned a study, proving that there are 760,000 veterans, not the respected 500,000; who forfeit part, or all of their retired pay. Congress, alarmed, doled out partial SCSD, etc. The Congressional Research Service, (CRS), an arm of the Congress, published very biased studies on the subject of Concurrent Receipt. All of the bibliographical references were internal, self-serving, DOD/OMB/GAO house organs, reports, magazine articles, etc. Don't bother writing or calling CRS. They won't answer. They are accountable only to Congress. Allow me to mention the recent law changes involving the SBP/Social Security offset issue. Yes, the offset is being phased out. However, DOD will pay for the increased benefit to military widows by closing Military Hospitals, (MacDill ), retiriing/not hiring, military doctors, nurse's, etc. (The Devil is in the details.) It is, however, very refreshing and exciting to know that DOD is in favor of honoring our service. But TOMB is INSIDE the White House. DOD is OUTSIDE. Lastly, the 1892 law says nothing about forfeiting a dollar of retired pay, for a dollar of military 'pension'. What it does say, is, that if you are already under a previous Pension, you may continue with that pension, or, sign up for the 1892 version. But, you cannot have both, (TWO 'Military Retirement Pensions). You can find copies on the Library of Congress', "Statutes-at-Large" website. For today, at least. As a 20-years. 7-months, and 29-days, Chapter 61, 100%(IU). T&P, ("Catastrophically-disabled") Veteran, I strongly urge all of you to: 1. cancel your membership in any moribund, non-productive VSO 2. join VETSPAC 3. network to help fellow vets, as hard as you served these United States of America God bless all of you. Replies to follow I agree Author: FSC Gardner, USCG, ret (172.163.33.74) - 12/21/2004 (11:18) E-Mail: BZ for your write up. I agree with what you have provided for me to read. I belong to several organizations and for years have felt that used and abused. I am a life member of the FRA, VFW, and the American Legion. By chance one day I found this sight. When the call went out for money I sent what I could. I will send what I can for VETSPAC. I have read the comments on the VBN and know many people complain about things and even critisized this site. Bottom line, I have found an organization that takes a very active roll and presses the issues. Small victory after small victory is what it takes. Like the BM that have to scrap and paint among many other things, it can not all be done at once. The troops bitch, but after the goal is met all is happy. VETSPAC has my support and thanks for article This message was a reply to the following message posted by CWO3(BOSN) Wayne H. Farnum, USCG, Ret. (209.165.12.73) - 12/21/2004 (02:11)