1.5 percent increase in disability compensation and pension benefits for veterans
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) released the following statement on the recent announcement by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding a cost-of-living increase for veterans, families, and survivors receiving disability compensation and pension benefits:
“We have an obligation to care for America’s veterans and their families for their bravery and service to our country,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar. “I supported the passage of the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2013 because it bolsters the amount of funds provided to nearly 4 million veterans for disability compensation and to over 360,000 surviving family members for dependency and indemnity compensation. Ensuring that our veterans receive the benefits they deserve is of utmost importance to me, and I am proud to see this increase taking effect in 2014.”
The 1.5 percent change will increase monthly benefits payments beginning Jan. 1, 2014. Among the veterans estimated to receive such compensation are 136,897 World War II veterans; 140,169 Korean Conflict veterans; 1,327,348 Vietnam-era veterans; 1,546,030 veterans of the Gulf War era; and 695,574 veterans who served during peacetime.
For more information about VA benefits, visit www.benefits.va.gov, or call 1-800-827-1000.
