Yes. The pension amount under the previous system is higher than with the lump-sum payments, because of the number of clients. I think that's relatively simple. There was a decrease in the amounts under the former system because of demographic data. Indeed, the older clients are, unfortunately, no longer with us. The trend is towards lower monthly pension amounts under the former system and increased lump-sum payments to “new” veterans.
On March 18th, 2010. See this statement in context.