We are deeply disappointed and outraged by The Washington Post's recent article, "How veterans exploit $193 billion VA program, due to lax controls".
This paints an inaccurate and harmful picture of our nation's Veterans as opportunists using the system for unearned benefits. Nothing could be further from the truth and this fake reporting is a disservice to the millions of Service Members who have sacrificed their health and well-being in defense of our country.
Veterans' disability benefits are NOT handouts or loopholes to exploit. They are hard-earned compensation for the physical, mental, and emotional toll that Military service has on Veterans. The increase in claims isn't evidence of Veterans committing fraud; it's the long-overdue result of legislation like the 2022 PACT Act, which finally recognizes toxic exposures from burn pits, Agent Orange, and other hazards that have harmed generations of American heroes.
After more than two decades of continuous conflict, we're only now acknowledging invisible wounds like PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, Military sexual trauma, and chronic conditions that impact every aspect of a Veteran’s life—not just their ability to work.
While we condemn any instance of fraud and support full prosecution of those who abuse the system, these cases represent a minuscule fraction of the MILLIONS of legitimate claims processed under strict federal guidelines. This type of reporting will discourage those in need from seeking the care and support they've rightfully earned. This is especially harmful in our community, where gaming serves as a vital lifeline for Veterans battling isolation, mental health challenges, and service-connected disabilities—helping them connect, heal, and rebuild through camaraderie and purpose.
At REGIMENT, we've seen firsthand how these benefits enable Veterans to thrive, whether through adaptive gaming setups for physical impairments or online communities that combat the loneliness of invisible injuries. We stand with our fellow Veterans' organizations in rejecting this false narrative.
To our Veterans: don’t let misleading headlines deter you from getting the benefits that you EARNED and DESERVE. Contact your local @DAVHQ office and get your benefits started TODAY.
Together, we'll continue to honor the promise made to those who served, because America's Veterans aren't exploiters; they're HEROES.
Christopher @Entxurage Earl
REGIMENT
Chief Executive Officer
Say his name: Graham Hoffman (25)
Kansas City FD paramedic. KiIIed in the ambulance by Shanetta Bossell WHILE ATTEMPTING TO HELP HER.
She literally bit a cop last week.
BUT WAS RELEASED ANYWAY.