Congressman Young Supports Veterans Compensation Cost-Of-Living Adjustment
Washington, D.C. - Alaska Congressman Don Young voted to pass H.R. 4175, the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2004. This legislation increases the rate of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans. This bill passed by a vote of 421 to 0.
"I am pleased to support this legislation. Alaska has the highest amount of Veterans per capita than any state in the Union. This legislation helps increase the rates of disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation that will not only benefit disabled veterans, but their spouses and dependents as well. This bill helps us keep our promise to those who served in harm's way for this great nation," said Congressman Young.
The increase is expected to project a 1.7 percent increase in overall prices this year, down from 2.1 percent last year. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays disability benefits to more than 2.5 million veterans and sends monthly checks to more than 300,000 spouses and 29,000 children of deceased or disabled veterans.
H.R. 4175, as amended, would:
- Provide, effective December 1, 2004, a cost-of-living adjustment to the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and to the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain service-connected disabled veterans. The percentage amount would be equal to the increase in benefits provided under the Social Security Act, which is calculated based upon changes in the Consumer Price Index.
Add osteoporosis to the list of diseases presumed to be service connected for former prisoners of war for the purpose of veteran benefits.- Codify the current dollar amounts of disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation, as provided for in Public Law 108-147.