Veterans Committee: A cap on ambition.

April 20, 2026

Veterans Affairs Committee has been hearing directly from entrepreneurs that the government’s $20,000 cap on self-employment income is a clear roadblock to their success.

They see a dollar-for-dollar claw back of VAC’s Income Replacement Benefit if they exceed this $20,000 earnings exemption.

As Damien Pittman, owner of Punisher Waterfowl told the committee, “Veterans become very cautious about ambition at the very exact moment where they should be getting support in rebuilding their lives.”

Damien was direct: Veterans need clear written guidance that pursuing self-employment will not unfairly threaten their benefits.