Yes, I’m sure it was a conscious decision. Get a grip and put the blame where it’s due.
If you care to examine the people that “W” has put in place with regard to veterans’ matters you will see it isn’t an accident.
He appointed one nit wit who announced he had decided that only military personnal who suffered wounds in combat could receive VA benefits. He also sought to redefine the meaning of veteran. He dropped the idea once he found out that only Congress determines such things.
I know the Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, under pressure from the White House, got the boot when Republicans were still in the majority. He was determined to be too friendly to veterans and veterans service organizations.