How some veterans exploit $193 billion VA program, due to lax controls

[haele]

3. Ummm, has anyone there ever applied for VA disability?

Chances are most Vets have.
It's not quite like SSDI -more like Worker's Compensation but with a more "future vision".
The purpose is to cover specific service related medical conditions throughout the lifetime of the recipient, whether they can work or not. Their quality of life and ability to work has been adversely impacted by something their service to the Federal Government caused.
My hearing, knees, hips, and ankles were adversely affected by my time in service. I was exposed to asbestos and industrial chemicals that have not only caused bone density loss and spots on my lungs, but have caused severe allergies that require me to carry Benadryl and prescription migraine medication to remain somewhat functional in many common public situations.
These medical conditions would not have been present if I was, say, a teacher, musician, or even a old school electrical/software engineer - my other options out of high school.
While it's true some Vets probably don't need the VA (allowing the GOP to consider it a "waste of taxpayer funds" ), for way too many others, it's the difference between having minimal health service to function or being homeless.
But as usual, point out the 2 - 5% outliers to destroy a program you don't want to see funded or think provides an advantage to "the wrong sort of people".