New Legislation on Capitol Hill Could Impact Veterans’ Benefits

The House of Representatives has recently passed legislation to increase benefits for certain veterans who are disabled. If it passes the Senate and is signed by the President, this law will represent the first increase in benefits in nearly 20 years. At Empowerment Legal, PLLC, we hope the President signs the legislation. Veterans and their families have been waiting for decades for benefits to finally keep up with inflation.

Contact our office if you have questions, particularly about whether you qualify for veterans’ benefits. Our firm is proud to help the veteran’s community with its legal needs, and we can prepare an initial claim.

What is the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act?

That is the long name of the legislation which will increase benefits by about $10,000 annually for those with the highest levels of Special Monthly Compensation. The law would also bump up the amount received by surviving military spouses and families who receive DIC (Dependency and Indemnity Compensation).

The law is named after the surviving widow of a helicopter pilot, as well as an Iraq War veteran who was injured when he struck an explosive device. The disabled veteran ended up with major injuries and has required 24/7 care. In fact, around 7,000 veterans need this type of care because of catastrophic disability suffered in connection with their service.

The law only increases the benefits for those with the highest levels of Special Monthly Compensation, which is intended for those with the most severe disabilities. Although we wish more veterans would benefit, this law is at least a start.

Greater Support for Gold Star Families

Surviving family members who receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation will also see a boost if this piece of legislation is signed into law. DIC payments will increase 1.5% each year over the next several years. Although many people argue that a 1.5% bump up is too small, it would represent a meaningful increase in DIC benefits at a time when inflation is out of control. The legislation also increases the visibility on Capitol Hill of veterans’ needs.

Although the law has strong support from various veterans’ groups, we are not sure if it will pass in the Senate. Nonetheless, VA benefits are still available for anyone who is eligible.

Are You Applying for Veterans’ Benefits?

Whether you are applying for disability or other benefits, you should contact an experienced lawyer for help. At Empowerment Legal, PLLC, we have years of experience helping veterans and their families determine whether they are eligible for benefits.

Applications require a large amount of information and supporting documentation. Let our office assist. Our firm knows that submitting complete and accurate information is a critical step to ensuring that an application receives fair consideration. We also have experience with appeals if your initial claim is denied.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Our Jacksonville VA benefits initial claims lawyer knows that disabled veterans struggle to navigate a complex and ever-shifting legal landscape. Call our office for help with an initial claim or to get answers to pressing questions.

Source:

military.com/house-finally-passes-first-10000-benefits-increase-in-over-20-years-for-catastrophically-disabled-veterans