Veterans could be among the first to feel the pain of a debt default

Veteran Jesse Reynolds says he's relying on his monthly VA disability check until he can readjust to civilian life. (Jesse Reynolds)

For Navy veteran Jesse Reynolds, it's personal.

Veterans funding is currently a key part of two high-stakes showdowns in Washington: budget talks and the possible default on America's debt. If the U.S. defaults, as soon as June 1, the Department of Veterans Affairs could be short of cash. And that means Jesse Reynolds could be broke on the first of the month.