The DOD is NOT a good place for Veterans money to be. They should be focused on winning wars and fighting for war money.
They are going to do that anyway, and if you combine the budgets, then war will take priority over veterans for any sane general. They should be fighting for money for weapons systems and training of the military.
That gives them two missions at odds with each other, and they will eventually encroach on the veterans budget.
It should NOT be under DOD. It’s a lousy idea.
xzins, what do you say to my comments about the military already being engaged in numerous other activities for their personnel that don't include weapons or training? There are plenty of military hospitals and medical personnel that provide healthcare benefits to active duty military, and likely provide transitional services to those leaving the military.
There's no reason why the Sec. of Defense couldn't ask for funding of veteran's benefits, including those that are disabled, or require other special care. The budget request is a separate line item from all the "war-fighting stuff," and could be spent accordingly. It's called a budget for a reason.