I am AF retired, 21 yrs, 7 mos, Msgt (E7)since Dec 1975. I was in the civilian work force for about 25 years, mostly in the personnel and civbil rights functions. I also obtained a BA degree. I have found that whenever increases in pay (whether for active or retired pay, military or civilian) are granted as percentages as time goes on the gap increases and those on the lower rung get less and less. This what has occured throughout the civilan work force and is also very evident in the VA's disability pay scales. What is needed is a pay increase to all those who are in the lower VA disability ratings. Just look at the pay for a 100% disabled veteran (No spouse, no Children) at $2,471. and a 80% at $1,319.) makes no sense, a disabled 80 % can not work just the same as a 100 % (presumably both can not work). The rates I just quoted are the 2007. Rates. Do the math, go back to, pick a year, 1980 and figure each COLA increase since then at each disabled rating. Then total them all up and see the difference. The difference is that the Gap is wider as each year goes by. Many civilan companies now give a cost of living increase every so many years to try and catch up the gap between the lowest and the highest earners. I have been preaching this since I became aware of it in 1980, seems most people do not understand it !!!
