Boozman, Tester Introduce Legislation to Expand VA Benefits for Vietnam Veterans
June 26, 2020
In The News
By Senator John Boozman
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Jon Tester (D-MT) introduced the Forgotten Vietnam Veterans Act to expand wartime benefits to veterans who served in the Vietnam War and have been ineligible for assistance because of differences between the war era dates at the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Currently, DoD recognizes the Vietnam War era as November 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975 while the VA recognizes the Vietnam War era as February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975. This discrepancy has prevented members of the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) from qualifying for wartime veterans benefits like the veterans pension. MAAG is a designation for U.S. military advisors sent to other countries to assist in the training of conventional armed forces and facilitate military aid. More than 3,200 MAAGs served during the Vietnam War.
Companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman TJ Cox (D-CA-21).
The story was also picked up by WBBM News Radio
Senators Introduce Bill to Expand VA Benefits for Thousands of 'Forgotten' Vietnam Veterans
by Abbie Bennett
Two Senators introduced bipartisan legislation in Congress this week aimed at expanding Department of Veterans Affairs benefits to "forgotten" Vietnam vets.
The "Forgotten Vietnam Veterans Act" would expand wartime benefits to veterans who served in the Vietnam War but have so far been ineligible for assistance because of a disagreement between the Pentagon and VA on when exactly the war happened.
The Defense Department currently recognizes the Vietnam War era as Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975. But VA says the Vietnam War era is Feb. 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975, making any veterans who served in the conflict prior to 1961 ineligible for wartime benefits at VA such as pensions and health care.
Those "forgotten" Vietnam veterans include members of the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG). MAAG is a designation for U.S. military advisors sent to other nations to help in training conventional armed forces and providing military aid. More than 3,200 MAAGs served in the Vietnam War, Sens. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and John Boozman, R-Ark., said in a news release announcing the bill Thursday.
A companion bill was introduced in the House by Rep. T.J. Cox, D-Calif.
Read more from Senator Boozman here
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