Military Connection: Great News for VA Benefits: By Debbie Gregory

A measure has been passed that paves the way for increased benefits for Veterans with disabilities.

The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2014, referred to the Senate’s Committee on Veterans” Affairs as Senate bill: S.2258, passed by unanimous committee consent on September 11^th. It was then sent to the House. Once in the House, S. 2258 was fast tracked on a motion by Rep. Lamborn from Colorado. The legislation was passed by a voice vote in the House on September 16^th.

Essentially, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2014 directs the secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the payments of a number of Veteran benefits. The increased rates will affect benefits such as Veterans” disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, clothing allowances for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. The measure also requires each increase to be the same percentage as the increase in benefits provided under Title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act, on the same effective date.

According to the bill, the changes would go into effect as of December 1, 2014.

Since the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2014 has been passed in both the House and Senate, it now heads to President Obama to either be vetoed or signed into law.

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