Veterans with service-connected disabilities have been hit particularly hard by inflation. For many, the injuries sustained during their service have already profoundly impacted their earning potential and quality of life. Although the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides ongoing support for these veterans, the support is limited, and inflation is eating away at these fixed benefits. Other programs to offer additional support for those in greatest need must be re-upped and extended. While our military members take it upon themselves to fight for our freedoms, we must make it our duty to give them our utmost support when they return home.
As of 2020, more than 5 million veterans are receiving disability benefits from the VA. On average, a person in a household with a severe disability incurs nearly $18,000 in additional costs than households without a person with a disability. The VA covers only a portion of the cost for adaptive housing and adaptive vehicles and the veteran bears the rest of the cost. Also, disabled veterans pay higher out-of-pocket insurance costs, higher rent for apartments or homes that are accessible and convenient, service animal costs, and many more added costs. In fact, a veteran who cannot work due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is married with one child receives an average of $42,000 in government compensation. Their cost of living, however, is $74,000.
The disabilities that our veterans face can affect more than just the person who suffered the injury. While the fixed income provided by the VA is adjusted for veterans with families and dependents, as inflation continues to put pressure on every American, it may not be enough.
Many service-disabled veterans rely on a part- or full-time caretaker, which can cost over $40,000 annually. Without a caretaker, veterans often depend on spouses or family members for care, which limits that person’s career potential as they devote their time to caring for their loved one. In addition, taking a veteran to and from necessary medical appointments requires additional time and resources.
With inflation continuing to rise, the gap between what the government covers and the actual cost of living continues to grow. Narrowing this gap and fulfilling our commitment to care for our veterans when they return from service requires a partnership between the public and private sectors. Military and veteran nonprofits are crucial in covering costs that the government will not.
One such organization that I am involved with is Semper Fi & America’s Fund (The Fund). The Fund is unique among organizations because it offers veterans and their families lifetime support. Case managers are highly trained and are typically military spouses or veterans themselves, so they understand the unique challenges of each veteran, tailoring assistance to the individual.
And their need continues to grow. In the last year, The Fund saw a 20 percent increase in the number of service members, veterans, and military families assisted compared to the previous year and a 24 percent increase in the number of grants processed.
Each of us can have a part in supporting our veterans and ensuring they don’t just survive—they thrive. Veterans Day reminds us of the gratitude we owe to our veterans, especially those who have been separated from service after incurring life-altering disabilities. But more than just a thank you for their service, we need to reenergize our commitment to ensure that our veterans have adequate housing, transportation, and the ability to feed their families. Actions speak louder than words, and it’s up to us to make sure our veterans hear our thanks for the sacrifices they have made for every one of us. Our commitment now will affect future generations and their willingness to serve our country.
Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. is the retired chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and chair of the Board at Semper Fi & America’s Fund.
The views expressed in this article are the writer’s own.
