Numerous veterans and their survivors across the nation will be pleased to see a little bit extra in their future payments due to a 3.6% cost of living adjustment that was effective 1 January. Federal law dictates that VA compensation and pensions will increase when Social Security payments receive a cost of living adjustment. This is the first increase in payments for both programs since 2008.
“Veterans, their families and their survivors are entitled to benefits that keep pace with the cost of living,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.
Many veterans depend on these benefits to help make ends meet every month. I applaud this increase for those that have given so much for their country, especially when benefits of both the active duty force and veterans are targeted for slashing due to the federal budget problems the country is facing.
