In the wake of the recent scandal over horrific conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, one would think the U.S. Army would be extra careful to make sure our wounded soldiers are treated very well indeed.

But that may not be the case.

Retired Lt. Gen. James Terry Scott, chairman of the Veterans Disability Benefits Commission, testified Thursday before Congress that injured soldiers may be getting a raw deal from the Army.

When a soldier is permanently disabled by a wound or injury, the Army rates the scale of that disability.

The final number is used to figure out what, if anything, the Army will have to pay in lifetime benefits.

Scott suggested the Army may be purposely rating injured service members disabilities lower than they deserve.

If a soldier is rated at less than 30 percent disabled, the Army doesnt have to pay benefits.

After reviewing Pentagon and Veterans Administration data, Scott said his findings show the Army is more likely than other service to assign a rating of under 30 percent.

The Army denied it would do any such thing but promised an investigation.

There should be an investigation, but not by the Army. That fox is already too close to the henhouse.

When a soldier signs up, he or she makes a commitment to the Army and our nation. In turn, the Army commits to making sure they and their families are taken care of should they be injured or killed.

Our troops are honoring their commitment. The Army should honor its commitment to them.