Column on disability payments

In his column that appeared in the Feb. 22 Southeast Missourian, Michael Jensen said in part that:"But beyond that, I put the blame squarely on those who approve these disability payments knowing full well that many of these claims are borderline at best. At worst, they are outright fraud and corruption. In the end, one individual or one small committee gives the thumbs up on an individual disability claim. Those who make those decisions act as though there is some bottomless pit of magical money to pay for that person who has stress in his or her life."

As an individual who worked making disability determinations for more than 32 years with the Veterans Benefits Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, I would point out that the above statement shows a breathtaking amount of ignorance.

The oath of office taken by decision makers requires them to follow the laws passed by our elected representatives. It says nothing about protecting the U.S. Treasury.

Individuals in this position routinely process determinations which obligate the U.S. government to pay a million dollars in benefits over the life of the decision. I cannot recall even one occasion where we received negative feedback for granting such a claim. On the other hand we routinely received inquiries from elected representatives about claims which were denied.

If Mr. Jensen is serious about reducing the number of so-called questionable claims, he should begin by advocating a change in the laws governing such benefits.

JOHN PIEPHO, Cape Girardeau