[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E48]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF THE ARMED FORCES DISABILITY RETIREMENT ENHANCEMENT ACT 
                                OF 2009

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE BUYER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 8, 2009

  Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Armed Forces 
Disability Retirement Enhancement Act of 2009. This measure would 
simplify and streamline the daunting process injured men and women must 
endure when navigating the Department of Defense, DOD, disability 
retirement system. The system is too complex, and it is unfair to 
confront wounded warriors with such a mess when their focus should be 
on recovery and their loved ones.
  These systemic problems were identified more than 2 years ago when 
the President's Commission on Care for America's Wounded Warriors and 
the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission interviewed injured service 
members, but the problems have yet to be resolved. This bill would 
ensure that those found unable to serve would automatically receive 
military retirement benefits based on rank and years of service. This 
provision would resolve the `concurrent receipt' issue, and it would 
replace confusing, piecemeal programs.
  Those found unfit for service would also automatically receive health 
and dental coverage. Currently, such eligibility hinges on the findings 
of a military physical evaluation board. Severely injured 
servicemembers undergoing the emotional and physical pain of recovery 
and rehabilitation should not have to endure the added, unnecessary 
worry as to whether physical evaluation board determinations will grant 
disability benefits.
  It's well past time to eliminate these burdens for those who have 
already sacrificed dearly for our country. I call upon my colleagues on 
both sides of the aisle to address this difficult issue now rather than 
leaving it to future generations to resolve.

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