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RIGHT QUESTION NEVER ASKED ON THEFT OF VA
INFORMATION --
Opinion from Vietnam veteran Dennis Hahnemann.
Story here...
http://www.aberdeennews.com/
mld/aberdeennews/news/local/15541258.htm
Story below:
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Right question never asked on theft of VA
information
Hahnemann
By now, most of you have read or heard about the veterans' data falling
into the hands of thieves. For those of you who have not heard or read
about it, this is what was reported. On May 3, 2006, a burglary of a
laptop computer and the external drive at a U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs data analyst's Aspen Hill, Md., home was stolen. The information
of up to 26.5 million veterans, dependents and military personnel was
stolen. The information included Social Security numbers, dates of birth
and names. The administration took three weeks after the theft to
publicize that the data had been stolen and that it was not secure data.
After that disclosure, House and Senate Democrats and Republicans
demanded answers as to how this happened. The federal employee whose
computer was stolen was suspended and later fired; his boss resigned.
Veterans whose personal information was stolen were notified by letter
as to the breach of security. Since this initial reporting, the computer
and external drive have been found and the administration reports that
the information is intact.
This article is being written so everyone begins to question why
veterans' data is being explored.
Since this reporting of the computer loss there have been many questions
asked, but I have yet to read or hear that the right question has been
asked of this administration. That question is: Why is this data being
analyzed in the first place?
I think I know why.
Some time ago, legislation created the Veterans Disability Commission.
This 13-member panel was established after attempts by this
administration failed to make drastic changes to veterans' disability
compensation. In March 2006 these commission members maneuvered to
authorize collecting data about Social Security Disability Insurance
benefits paid to veterans who also receive VA disability compensation.
Why, you ask? Because this administration is looking at a possibility of
an offset of Social Security Disability Insurance if the veteran
receives disability compensation from the VA.
It is my belief that the data in that laptop was the data the commission
needed in making decisions about offsetting veterans' VA disability
payments. There is a perception by those involved in this administration
that by reducing or eliminating veterans' VA disability payments the
government can save money.
I would like to make this clear: Veterans' VA disability benefits are
separate and distinct from Social Security Disability Insurance
benefits. The difference is this: VA disability is an earned,
service-connected benefit to a veteran for injury (usually lifelong)
from service to the country. Social Security Disability Insurance
benefits are cash payments to a person who is unable to work for more
than one year. When the person is able to work again the payments stop
or, if the person reaches retirement age, the payments convert to Social
Security retirement benefits.
The idea of offsets to save money at the expense of the veteran is not
right. Veterans are a small minority of people in the United States who
served their country to provide the life we have. Instead of the ribbons
on all the cars extolling to "Support our Troops," it would be better if
they read, "Support our Troops and don't forget our Veterans." It is
these troops - and our veterans - who went when called to provide
freedoms for all.
Any offset or reduction in VA disability compensation for veterans
because of Social Security Disability Insurance payments cannot be
tolerated. For those who are working in this administration and in the
future administrations, you need to stop thinking that disability
compensation is a welfare or handout program for veterans.
Our veterans deserve better.
Dennis Hahnemann is a Vietnam veteran, married, and living in Aberdeen.
He holds a master's degree and is a certified diplomat in psychotherapy.
He has been a contract provider in re-adjustment counseling to veterans
for the past 23 years in the Madison and Milwaukee, Wis., and the Sioux
Falls Vet Centers. He retired in 2005. Currently, he owns Time Works, a
clock repair shop in Aberdeen.
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Larry Scott
