A new piece of legislation introduced in the US Senate, would potentially increase benefits for disabled veterans and their families across the United States. The purpose of this bill is to help these veterans, as well as their widows and dependents, keep up with ever growing issues with the cost of living. If adopted, it would potentially help VA disability benefits keep up with issues such as growing gas prices.
New Bill Seeks to Help Disabled Veterans
This new bill, known as the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, would seek to help disabled veterans who are struggling to pay their bills. The bill was introduced by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and is currently co-sponsored by thirteen other senators. If implemented, it could impact the benefits of millions of veterans, as well as widows, children and other dependents.
How the Bill Would Work
The bill would change how veteran disability benefits are calculated by causing it to scale automatically, similarly to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) used by the Social Security Administration to calculate SSI and SSDI benefits. Each year, the SSA calculates the COLA based on something known as the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, or CPI-W, and increases benefits accordingly. With this new bill, the VA would do the same, meaning that there would no longer need to be legislative action to help keep up with increases in day-to-day living expenses.
Potential Impact of the Bill
If adopted, the bill could substantially increase how much disabled veterans and their families receive in benefits. It would also make veterans disability benefits less vulnerable to political conflict, which has impacted payouts and benefits increases in the past. Exactly how much effect this would have, however, depends on if the bill passes, and what form it ultimately takes.
What You Should Do
If you or someone you love is a disabled veteran, you may be entitled to disability benefits through the VA. That is why you should speak to the disability law attorneys at Sullivan and Kehoe. They can help you apply for benefits, review your application to ensure it is complete and correct, and also argue on your behalf if your application is denied and you need to appeal.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. Our veterans’ disability lawyers are still available for remote consultation on your legal issues. Call our office at (800) 395-7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office, or visit our contact page.
