Veterans May Get Guaranteed Cost of Living Adjustments for Disability Benefits

As consumer prices continue to rise, the U.S. government creates a yearly Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that applies to recipients of government benefits. Currently, those who receive Social Security benefits and retired military pay automatically receive the COLA increase, but it takes approval by Congress through a separate bill to apply the COLA to recipients of veterans’ disability benefits.

To help protect the rights of disabled veterans to the same COLA as other benefit recipients, a new bill has been introduced to the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) that would give veterans’ disability benefits the same guaranteed COLA as the other benefit programs. The American Heroes COLA Act (HR 4142) has already passed the HVACs disability assistance panel by voice vote and now awaits approval from the full committee.

In the meantime, disabled veterans can be given the 2013 COLA if applied for, as the annual bill necessary for approval of the increase is also awaiting a decision by the HVAC. There’s no official determination of how much of an increase will be seen with the 2013 COLA, but the Social Security Administration is estimating about 1.7%.

Veterans who suffer disabling injuries or conditions due to their service in the armed forces have a right to compensation for their losses. By applying for veterans’ disability benefits with the help of an attorney, you can secure your right to continued yearly compensation that reflects your needs when your disability makes it difficult for you to work and enjoy your post-service life.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.