We know that the SSA is beginning to look at social media profiles to discredit claims. Since President Trump made rooting out fraudulent SSD claims a priority, it is clear the government is looking for more ways to avoid paying benefits to disabled workers. Veteran disability claims have long been immune from this kind of scrutiny. Until now.
The Republican Party has held itself out to be the pro-military political party for decades. They’ve advocated a stronger defense system and approved budget spending accordingly. But more and more Republicans have started targeting veteran benefits as their next area of fraud policing, including Fox News hosts Pete Hegseth and Brian Kilmeade.
A word to the wise, if you are a veteran in recovery for depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder, reconsider posting a picture of you or your family looking happy, healthy, or enjoying life. You might send the wrong message that you are capable of functioning effectively in society. And if you’ve found ways around working with a lost limb, do not post anything that indicates your war injury hasn’t disabled you completely.
Disability advocate, Imani Barbarin, is deeply frustrated by the government’s new surveillance policy: “Disabled people should be allowed to share the full scope of their existence without fear they’ll be accused of lying—and even fraud—by the United States Government which will likely reason that if a disabled person is seen going to the mall or taking time to swim, they can be working.”
It is especially upsetting when you consider that these veterans are disabled because of the very government that is trying to deny them disability benefits.
The White House has declined to comment on criticism of its surveillance program.