I am probably not using the proper terminology here, but I hope to get the point accross. I know of at least two people who were formerly in the military who receive payments into perpetuity for injuries they received while in the military. One woman I know had shin splints and gets, I believe, $250 monthly for the rest of her life. Meanwhile, she is now totally recovered (out of the military for about 7-8 years now)and is an excellent athlete.
The other person, a gentleman, had a back injury from parachuting in the military and is receiving this monthly payment as well. I don't know the amount, but he is in his 50's and I cannot see that he has any long-term disability from this injury that would justify this perpetual payment.
Every payment of this type should be re-evaluated upon release from the military and every five years (maybe fewer years...?) thereafter to determine the need. We cannot continue to subsidize these minor "disabilities" when there are people returning from war as guadraplegics and with traumatic brain injuries that will need assistance for the rest of their lives. We have to realign our priorities.
