11.07.03

Letter from Senator Cantwell on Concurrent Receipt

Dear Friends,

As long time supporters of concurrent receipt, I am writing to tell you that the concurrent receipt compromise was included as part of the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R.1588) that passed the House on November 7, 2003. I expect the conference report to be considered shortly before the Senate and will be then sent to the President for his signature. I am pleased to be able to provide this important information to you.

Under this compromise, full concurrent receipt will be phased in over a ten - year period for disabled military retirees, National Guard and Reservists who have at least 20 years of service and a VA service connected disability rated at 50 percent or higher. Beginning in January 1, 2004, eligible service members will receive the following additional monthly amounts: $750 for those who are rated 100 percent disabled; $500 for those who are rated 90 percent disabled; $350 for those rated 80 percent disabled; $250 for those rated 70 percent disabled; $125 for those rated 60 percent disabled; and $100 for those rated 50 percent disabled. Over the next ten years , service members will receive an additional ten percent of their offset. So, for example, in 2005, service members will get an additional ten percent and in 2006 this amount will increase to twenty percent. This amount will continue to increase until full concurrent receipt is reached in January 14, 2014. It is not yet clear if an application will be required for this added benefit, but I will update my web site when this information becomes available.

In addition, this compromise also expanded the Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) Program that was enacted as part of the Fiscal Year 2003 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 107-314). The compromise legislation provides concurrent receipt to military retirees, National Guard and Reservists who have at least 20 years of service and : 1) any retiree who was awarded the Purple Heart; or 2) any retiree with a service-connected disability incurred as a direct result of armed conflict, while engaged in hazardous service, in the performance of duty under conditions simulating war, or through an instrumentality of war. There is no phase-in period for CSRC and service members may need to apply for this benefit from their own military branch. Again, as soon as information becomes available on how this program will be administered, I will post that on my web site. Service members who qualify for both concurrent receipt and the CRSC must choose one benefit.

Once again, although this compromise is a positive accomplishment and a step in the right direction, it remains an insufficient remedy to the persisting inequity in our veterans benefits system.

I know that this is an important issue to you and I want to reiterate my commitment to working toward full concurrent receipt.

I hope you will find this information helpful. If you are having trouble receiving your compensation or having a problem with any other federal agency please contact my Seattle office at (206) 220-6400 and my staff is more than happy to assist you.

I am profoundly grateful for the service of America's veterans and for the sacrifices they have made to defend and preserve our great nation. As such, we have an important responsibility to ensure that our veterans are provided benefits and assistance that they so greatly deserve. I will continue to support legislation that improves benefits and medical assistance for veterans. Please be assured that I will continue to support concurrent receipt and will work with my colleagues on behalf of the many veterans in the state of Washington.

Again, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future.

Best Wishes,

Maria