A recent article published in the Wall Street Journal outlines how the VA has used questionable refinancings to charge vets for their medical bills. In the article, I discuss how the VA has mishandled this situation, why the government should defer collections on medical bills until September 2021, and why the Trump administration should take a harder stance against for-profit colleges.

VA refinancings are costing veterans big money

A recent study by Ginnie Mae found that questionable refinancings are cost a lot of veterans money. In many cases, borrowers switch from a high-interest fixed-rate mortgage to a lower-interest adjustable-rate mortgage, adding thousands of dollars to their debt. These refinancings also lower monthly payments. On average, they take six years to break even, leaving borrowers with unsugar equity.

VA should crack down on for-profit colleges

While the Trump administration is criticized for the lack of action on for-profit colleges, it should be noted that it could take a big bite out of the problem without congressional authorization. The VA could order schools not to lock students into dense contracts that waive their rights to take legal action against them. Additionally, it could deny GI Bill funding to any college that charges more than three times the rate of tuition. Such a move would force schools to devote at least one-third of their resources to veterans.

VA’s top leadership is in turmoil following the Trump administration

The Trump administration has shaken up the top leadership at the VA, forbrukslån which has made major strides in accountability, transparency, and efficiency. However, the change has shattered the Washington bureaucracy, with some employees leaving voluntarily and others forced to resign. Since the year began, nearly 40 senior officials have left the agency, leaving a gaping leadership hole. While many employees are relieved of their duties, others have expressed deep concerns about the future of the department.

VA should scrap the time limit on how long veterans can use the GI Bill’s educational benefits

If you served in the military and qualify for education benefits from the VA, you may be able to use those benefits for a variety of purposes. You may be able to get help choosing a school, choosing a career, or completing a course. The GI Bill has helped millions of veterans pay for school since it was passed into law in 1944. It provides partial or full tuition coverage for school, and some educational costs are covered by the VA.