We Don't Pull Up Ladders

We examine the Take Care of American Veterans Act and what it could mean for veterans' disability benefits.

The panel breaks down the legislation, which combines more than 60 veteran-focused bills—including a version of the Major Richard Star Act—with funding provisions that would reduce future disability compensation for sleep apnea and tinnitus. They explain why the VFW strongly opposes any effort to pay for veterans' legislation by cutting earned benefits and why the organization views the proposal as a dangerous precedent for future generations of veterans.

The conversation explores the legislative process behind the bill, reactions from lawmakers and veterans, and concerns over Congress intervening in the VA disability rating schedule. The guests also discuss the broader implications for military recruitment, retention, health care access, and trust in the commitments made to service members.

Featured Guests:

Kristina Keenan – Director, VFW National Legislative Service

Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office

Mike Figlioli – Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office

Jason Johns – Chairman, VFW National Legislative Committee

Episode Highlights:

0:00 Intro and Roll Call

1:49 Overview of the Taking Care of American Veterans Act

4:14 Why the VFW opposes the bill's funding mechanism

6:12 Largest proposed veterans' benefit cut since the Great Depression

8:15 Impact on future veterans and military recruiting

10:35 Congressional involvement in VA disability ratings

14:09 Sleep apnea ratings and common misconceptions

16:50 Why sleep apnea remains a serious service-connected disability

21:12 Rules Committee hearing recap and next legislative steps

25:19 Concerns about the speed of the legislative process

28:01 The VFW's position on the Major Richard Star Act

30:42 Service members' concerns about future benefits

33:10 Comparisons to previous attempts to reduce veterans' benefits

37:32 Alternative funding options and congressional priorities

43:37 VFW Resolution 601 and protecting earned benefits

45:51 Why veterans should contact their elected officials

51:25 Tinnitus, VA access, and long-term health impacts

59:19 Good of the Order

1:05:42 Closing reflections and call to action