But, Isakson and Grassley counter, the VA is relying on a federal regulation that only mentions financial competency.

“When the VA determines that a veteran requires a fiduciary the end result is a limitation on owning and possessing firearms because the VA reports that veteran to the NICS list – a harsh result that could sweep up veterans that are fully capable of appropriately operating a firearm for self-defense purposes,” the senators wrote.

The ATF’s definition of “mental defective,” they noted, pertains to “the level of impairment of one’s mental state that justifies taking away the right to own firearms must rest at a severe and substantial level – where the mere possession of a weapon constitutes a danger to self or the public.”

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