“Our disabled veterans are finally going to get the full benefit that they’ve earned and that they deserve,” Gingrey said after Thursday’s announcement. “Veterans who have service-related disabilities should receive their full retirement benefits and their full disability payments.

“Their disability is a symbol of their sacrifice for their country and this agreement is a symbol of our country’s commitment to them.”

Concurrent receipt would allow military retirees to receive Department of Defense retirement income and Veterans Affairs (VA) disability income simultaneously.  Currently, most military retirees’ retirement checks are offset by the amount of VA disability income to which they are entitled.

Gingrey’s behind the scenes lobbying for a strong concurrent receipt agreement won praise from the House Armed Services Committee chairman.

“I commend Congressman Gingrey for his role in making this happen,” said Rep. Duncan Hunter. “Every veteran in Georgia’s 11th District should be thankful for Congressman Gingrey’s hard work.”

House Republicans vowed to end the unfair penalty on disabled veterans, and have worked tirelessly to find a solution to the concurrent receipt problem.

House Republicans have a plan that will restore full concurrent receipt to all military retirees with Purple Heart or combat-related disability (Military retirees are veterans who served a full 20-year career in the military), including National Guardsmen and Reservists.  The proposal will also provide full concurrent receipt for the remaining military retirees who are the most severely disabled (50 percent disabled and above). The benefit will be phased in over 10 years.

The concurrent receipt plan will be included in the conference report of the Department of Defense Authorization bill.

“Republicans in the House have been trying to get this accomplished for 18 years, and the united Republicans are showing they’re the party who can get things done,” Gingrey said. “Republicans are poised to accomplish what Democrats failed to do for 40 years. The House Republican proposal will provide concurrent receipt for more veterans than have ever been covered by current law. It is a solution that’s fair, responsible and honors this nation’s disabled veterans.”