Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 11

14 House Republicans Block 60-Bill Veterans Package as SAVE America Act Fight Freezes Floor

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 11

14 House Republicans Block 60-Bill Veterans Package as SAVE America Act Fight Freezes Floor

Q: How will a $57 billion funding plan for veterans' care affect future disability claims for tinnitus and sleep apnea?

The $57 billion plan would not cut benefits for veterans already receiving disability compensation, but it could reduce or eliminate payments on many future claims for tinnitus and sleep apnea. Under Section 108 of the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, the savings are expected to come from changing how those conditions are rated over the next 10 years. For tinnitus, critics say the proposal would largely end compensation as a standalone disability, meaning many new claimants could receive no separate payment unless it is tied to another compensable condition. For sleep apnea, the change would likely reduce ratings for many future claimants, especially those whose condition is controlled with a CPAP machine, rather than continuing the current practice that often supports a 50% rating. Supporters of the bill, including House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, say current beneficiaries would be protected and that the broader package would expand care, mental health access, and other benefits. Opponents, including DAV and VFW, argue the offset is effectively a future benefits cut and estimate it could affect up to 1.5 million veterans. The key practical effect is this: if enacted as written, veterans filing new claims or undergoing future reevaluations for tinnitus or sleep apnea could face lower disability ratings and less compensation than under current rules. The proposal remains contested, and the bill has not yet passed.

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 11

14 Republicans joined Democrats on June 30 to defeat a House rule, blocking the Take Care of America's Veterans Act — a package of roughly 60 bills — from reaching the floor.
Mike Bost said he will bring the measure back when the House returns next week, but warned it could be derailed again because holdouts are refusing to back rules in protest over leadership's handling of the SAVE America Act.
23 legislative days remain in the session, and supporters including Concerned Veterans for America say further delays could crowd out the veterans package behind must-pass business such as the annual defense authorization bill.
Chip Roy and Veterans of Foreign Wars have also raised financing concerns, especially over provisions tied to future disability ratings for tinnitus and sleep apnea, though Bost says no current veteran's benefits would be cut.