Closely Track Reforms

In the wale of the Walter Reed scandal, the Pentagon belatedly has begun a test program to begin overhauling the complex and some say , unfair disability rating and payment system. Injured troops would face one physical exam rather than two. They'd be assigned one disability rating, rather than two - one from the military and another from the VA. And those who are separated would transition to the VA with minimal fuss. The total "system time" faced by injured troops would be cut in half. This is a very good first step. But there is still cause for concern - the White House has issued its own plan for revamping the military and VA disability systems, to include new payment rates and three new disability - related payments, further complicating an already complex system. Even more troubling the White House wants to launch a seven month study of its plan - and is asking Congress for prior approval now so the plan can be put into effect as soon as the study is done. To repeat The White House wants Congress to green - light a plan that doesn't exist, based on a study that hasn't been done. This issue is too important to grant such a blank check. Congress should monitor the Pentagon test and keep pushing forward but with oversight to ensure troops best interests are served.