Should veterans and retirees be "Triple Dipping?"

Why the hell shouldn't I get my retirement, VA, then Social Security? I earned all of those things, been paying into Social Security since I was 13 (paper route -- yes, it's on my SS benefits printout), I served over 33 years in uniform, and, just because my injuries/illnesses aren't combat-caused or combat-related, I didn't have them before I joined the military. Tell me, how can a Congressman/Senator, on a salary of $180,000.00 per year, be freaking multi-millionaires?

You can do it as a civilian and only if you qualify. There was a reason these benefits were made available. You earned/ suffered and are entitled why should we have to keep giving after serving. There are not that many that qualify and the numbers you keep hearing are not true, I don't what the next baby that isn't allowed/ qualified says we do not cost the government/ taxpayers that much. If no one likes it than don't send people the serve and those that have a problem with this can go fight and serve alone. I myself am f#$%@&^ tired of all this crap about double or triple dipping. I these dumbass really new why these benefits were given really new or had to be there in person to watch what happens maybe they would shut their damn mouths. If you are against the benefits we get or should get and think I am disrespecting you or are offended by my statements/feelings, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO TAKE A LONG WALK ON A SHORT PLANT. Yes I'm tired of this conversation and feel cheated.

I'd go to your doctor SGM. Ask for referrals and get your back fixed, see a neurologist (a private non-government affiliated) about your thumbs and get a conductivity test done.

But by all mean one should always collect the maximum he/she is entitled to.

First those who qualify earned and paid for all of it. you earned your retirement by serving 20 or more years. You didn't want to become disabled but did due to your service. You paid for your Social Security. None of it is charity it was paid in full by any who earned and paid for it. What I mean by PAID you paid with your mind and body during your service. As far as those who say one earns more than they deserve. These folks cannot work or choose a 2nd career so who's to say how much they are missing out on. Any retiree who cannot work due to service connected disabilities should apply for 100% due to unemployability and SSI.

OK, I’ll get “blasted” for this, but I’m going to play Devils Advocate...... I disagree! I believe that if your receiving your full retirement, and receive compensation from the VA.... you should NOT be entitled to SSDI.
Service members that suffered a Direct Combat related injury (I.e..... were shot, fragged, POW,......) SHOULD qualify, but not Joe Blow that dropped his keyboard on his foot, and now suffers from it daily!
For generations of Americans, pain is a daily reminder of your “working years”, they don’t receive jack shit. But, people that served in the Armed Forces think they rate it because they “put the uniform on”.......BS!
That’s what your retirement pay is for, plus the Gov. is throwing in a pretty decent VA rating for you! How are you different from the Iron Worker that served his time, paid his dues, and now has daily pain?? Because you wore a different suit? Remember, I said Combat Related-Yes, Non/Combat Related-No. Go enjoy your 10% discount, and quit bleeding the Gov dry!
Yes, I receive my pension and VA, I’ve never put in for SSDI..,.., oh, my injury IS direct combat related.....3 from a 47.

You sacrifice your life for our country. You deserved all you are authorized to get. Time can never be replace what you and your family missed out on because you were not home but out defending our country. 1ST Dee USA Ret. 24yrs active.

You don’t make more than you did when you were active trust me. And it’s not just a “gimme”. IF I had done 20 years before being injured I’d still make less with all three than I could get in the private sector. Besides it’s SSDI - which is different than SSI (income based) and is very difficult to get and keep (they review every 2 years whether you’re rated perm & total by th VA or not). I don’t know why people are even concerned about this - if you qualify you earned it and I wish you well. SSDI btw is what become your Social Security draw at retirement age anyway - you literally paid for it every paycheck - if you need it and can get it now then good for you and hopefully you can pay your bills. Apply for what you can, and take what you’re awarded. Other than that who cares what anyone else is getting - it’s doesnt affect what may be available to you.

It’s hard to vote either way. The Military treats having ailment that’s permanent as service related even you would havegone through it wether you were in or not. I think combat related injuries as well as those caused by doing your duty, qualify as triple dipping. Ailments that become permanent and not caused by military service shouldn’t be considered.

I am not retired. I sustained multiple injuries. It's not triple dipping if you receive SSD and VA compensation. Two different pots of money. However SSD evaluates on a different standard. If you think the VA is tough then haven't dealt with the SSA. That said. I have had one minor back surgery one major lumbar surgery and a major neck surgery. A veteran cannot receive Pension and Compensation at the same time. That is considered double dipping. If a veteran is getting both if or when the VA catches it the veteran will have to repay. Thats a cold shower. You can switch from Pension to Compensation if at a later time you are paid higher for Compensation.
This coming from a TDIU vet who has been in the VA system since 2006 and receiving TDIU status over a decade later. The more important conversation is the one about making sure that the VA is rating the veteran correctly and giving appropriate ratings for the Primary condition (cause and injury) and the Secondary conditions (symptoms of primary injury). Don't expect the your VSO to do this for you. If you, like me are suffering from injuries take time to learn the VA system. Make friends with your VA patient advocate at your home VAMC. Don't just talk to them when you have a complaint. I stop by and say hello to mine when I am up at appointments. The VA is not the enemy. Just like everything in life if you want it bad enough fight for it. Make the VA system do its job. Use your congressional representatives if necessary. I hate this type of discussion because it hints on veterans throwing other veterans under the bus. There are enough benefits for veterans and if funds run short as they have in the past we have people in DC to put pressure on our leaders to do the right thing. It took me the better part of a decade to get "properly" rated for my primary and secondary conditions. Once that happened I put in for TDIU. It wasn't easy the VA didn't just give it to me. Everytime you put in for an increase or for a new injury claim you chance a rating decrease. Make the VA system work for you. No one said it would be easy cupcake. I help veterans everyday. While its hard and you have to be your own best advocate. Not veteran should have to wait a decade for the support they need. If I had been armed with the information. The few vets that I know who received 100% or TDIU right out the door.... those brothers are in a very bad way from the start. Where many veterans like me have conditions that worsen over time. Your ratings increase should be filed every time your primary and/or secondary conditions worsen. For most; like me it will be an ongoing battle like mine was until you reach your maximum rating. Best of luck to all my brothers and sisters both Veteran and Service members.
Note: The VA really needs to do an Orientation for all exiting service members. Even if a service connected injury doesn't affect you now, it might later. You can still file a claim you will establish service connection for the injury and the VA will manage care for that injury even if they give you a 0% rating. Basically they recognize its service connected but that it is not disabling. That way you don't have to start at square 1 when you have an aggravation or reinjury.

This country has no qualms about participating or starting wars. There should be no qualms about financially supporting someone who coughed up their entire livelihood in a volunteer fighting force. If a Gunny puts in 20 years; fucks his back, hands and knees up beyond repair; and qualifies, all in the support of national defense: the Gunny has earned it. Fair and square.