Rep. Van Orden Grills VA on Bonuses Exceeding Combat Veterans' Pensions

Representative Derrick Van Orden questions U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Hon Missal on why every bonus paid to VA leadership exceeds the annual salary of retired E-7 military service members who served in combat. Van Orden highlights the stark disparity between VA bonuses and veteran pensions. Watch the video for the full exchange and insights on this pressing issue.

During a recent session, Representative Derrick Van Orden raised significant concerns about the bonuses awarded to VA leadership, questioning Hon Missal of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Van Orden pointed out that these bonuses surpass the entire annual pension of retired E-7 military service members who have served their country for over 20 years, including in combat.

Van Orden provided a specific figure, stating that the average retirement salary for an E-7 is $34,810. He highlighted that every bonus listed in a report he referenced exceeded this amount by at least $13,000, with the lowest bonus being $38,584. This comparison starkly illustrates the disparity between the compensation of VA leaders and the pensions of retired combat veterans.

Van Orden's line of questioning aimed to draw attention to this issue, pressing for an explanation and seeking to address what he perceives as an inequity in the distribution of funds within the VA. He also expressed his desire to speak directly with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to discuss these concerns further.

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