VA Disability Isn’t Enough — Why
- Kirk Carlson
- May 18
- 2 min read
#ReasonableRanks Fights for More Than Compensation
By Kirk Carlson, USMC Veteran | Founder, Covenant of Courage
When people learn about the #ReasonableRanks campaign, one of the first questions I often hear is:
“If you were injured, wouldn’t you qualify for VA disability? Did you apply?”
It’s a fair question—and the answer is yes, many injured veterans do apply for disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Some are approved. Some are denied. Others are stuck in a years-long process of appeals, paperwork, and waiting.
But even for those who do receive benefits, here’s what often gets overlooked:
VA disability is compensation. It is not a career.
It doesn’t replace the salary, structure, and long-term stability of a full military career. It doesn’t offer the sense of purpose that comes from continuing to serve. And it definitely doesn’t come with the retirement benefits many service members were counting on after dedicating years—or decades—of their lives to their country.
The Real Problem: No Path to Continue Serving
The U.S. military has no formal reassignment program for injured service members who can’t meet combat standards but are still capable of contributing in support roles—roles like logistics, intelligence, communications, instruction, or admin.
So instead of offering a way forward, the system offers one door: discharge.
That’s why we launched the #ReasonableRanks campaign. We believe:
Injured veterans should have access to non-combat reassignment options
Military service should include support roles as valid career paths
Veterans should not lose retirement eligibility and career continuity because of a service-connected injury
This Isn’t About Entitlement. It’s About Equity.
Every veteran understands standards. But when a Marine, soldier, or sailor is willing and able to serve—just in a different capacity—we should give them that chance. Especially after they’ve already sacrificed so much.
Because supporting veterans isn’t just about paying them.
It’s about giving them purpose, dignity, and a future they can still build.
What You Can Do
Sign the petition: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR
Start conversations like this one
Raise your voice for a system that respects all who serve
Thank you to those who ask the tough questions. They help shine light on the gaps—and give us a chance to fill them together.
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