[Jet Jaguar]

The original bill was named the Crosby-Puller Combat Wounds Compensation Act in honor of Crosby, 20, and Lt. General Lewis ``Chesty'' Puller, the most decorated Marine in history.

I think this is a good thing.

[R. Scott]

The measure, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Edward Markey (D-Malden), would give $430 a month to soldiers who are wounded and evacuated from the combat zone.
The special pay would continue until a soldier receives a new form of insurance for traumatic injuries received in combat - no less than a lump sum of $25,000 and as high as $100,000, depending on the injury's severity.

I’m not much in favor of this. It could have inadvertent consequences. The lump sum payment could later affect VA disability payments after the war is over. Every time we transition from war to peace Congress looks hard for ways to cut the cost of our military. Our Congress Critters could well see this as enough reimbursement for their injuries.

[PistolPaknMama]

$430 a month to soldiers who are wounded and evacuated from the combat zone.

Is this $430 in addition to some other pay? Plus free medical care? Or just $430 flat rate with no other benefits. I guess I'm not following what the problem is or the proposed solution since I know nothing about how military pay works.

[cynicom]

Peanuts by any other name.

First of all, disband the VA medical system. Treat those with military injuries and illnesses the same as any American citizen. Give them a medical card to any civilian facility and let the military pick up the cost with no arguments.

Second unload those veterans with no military injuries or illnesses that overload the VA.

The government will never allow compensation for pain and suffering.

[atom99]

Be careful of what you reward. In Viet Nam I saw people self inflict wounds to get out of country. Since it was a dangerous place you could easily get injured by just not avoiding injury. Throw in a monetary reward and you may encourage bad behavior.

[MikefromOhio]

If they do happen to make this a law, they will need to revamp and reorganize the VA system. The way it is now, it will eventually lead to abuse by some.....

[lifelongsoldier]

Sounds a bit like the Lance Corporal just wants to get a little bigger nest egg. What would be fair is to continue their tax exempt status and hazardous duty pay until such time as it is determined that they will no longer be able to serve in a combat zone. With the advent of pay checks, instead of a monthly pay call, there is no reason for any service member to not be able to access his monthly paycheck. How did he come up with the $430 per month figure anyway?