Repeal or modify the law passed by the Clinton Administration that called for recoupment of severance pay.

Veterans receiving severance pay upon departure from service are required to repay severance if they receive approval of a claim for service connected disability. I was out of the service over 17 years before I filed my first claim. I initially started receiving the pay, but then the VA (SC) informed me that I would not receive any further payments until the severance was paid back. If a veteran is unable to work, how are they supposed to survive? Either repeal or suspend the requirement for recoupment during this recession OR reduce the amount to be paid back based on a percentage for each year out of service OR pro-rate the amount so that the veteran can survive. This is simple, but the VA has refused to budge. I have BEGGED to no avail. Please review this policy. Thank you.