{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"We Don't Pull Up Ladders","description":"We examine the Take Care of American Veterans Act and what it could mean for veterans' disability benefits. The panel breaks down the legislation, which combines more than 60 veteran-focused bills\u2014including a version of the Major Richard Star Act\u2014with funding provisions that would reduce future disability compensation for sleep apnea and tinnitus. They explain why the VFW strongly opposes any effort to pay for veterans\u2019 legislation by cutting earned benefits and why the organization views the proposal as a dangerous precedent for future generations of veterans. The conversation explores the legislative process behind the bill, reactions from lawmakers and veterans, and concerns over Congress intervening in the VA disability rating schedule. The guests also discuss the broader implications for military recruitment, retention, health care access, and trust in the commitments made to service members.   Featured Guests: Kristina Keenan \u2013 Director, VFW National Legislative Service Ryan Gallucci \u2013 Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Mike Figlioli \u2013 Chief of Staff, VFW Washington Office Jason Johns \u2013 Chairman, VFW National Legislative Committee   Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro and Roll Call 1:49 Overview of the Taking Care of American Veterans Act 4:14 Why the VFW opposes the bill\u2019s funding mechanism 6:12 Largest proposed veterans\u2019 benefit cut since the Great Depression 8:15 Impact on future veterans and military recruiting 10:35 Congressional involvement in VA disability ratings 14:09 Sleep apnea ratings and common misconceptions 16:50 Why sleep apnea remains a serious service-connected disability 21:12 Rules Committee hearing recap and next legislative steps 25:19 Concerns about the speed of the legislative process 28:01 The VFW\u2019s position on the Major Richard Star Act 30:42 Service members\u2019 concerns about future benefits 33:10 Comparisons to previous attempts to reduce veterans\u2019 benefits 37:32 Alternative funding options and congressional priorities 43:37 VFW Resolution 601 and protecting earned benefits 45:51 Why veterans should contact their elected officials 51:25 Tinnitus, VA access, and long-term health impacts 59:19 Good of the Order 1:05:42 Closing reflections and call to action ","author_name":"#StillServing: The VFW Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/thevfwpodcast.libsyn.com\/website","html":"