While it’s acknowledged that no financial amount can adequately compensate for the sacrifices made by veterans, the 2023 cost of living adjustment represents a substantial increase in the monthly payments for disabled veterans. This enhancement is a significant step forward in supporting injured veterans and their families. Starting this year, those receiving VA Disability payments will experience an 8.7% rise in their monthly benefits. This increase, the most considerable in over three decades, marks a pivotal moment for individuals dependent on VA Disability. It’s important to note that this program continues to offer essential financial support to veterans hindered from working due to service-related disabilities, whether physical or mental.
HOW WILL THE COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT CHANGE MY PAYMENTS?
VA Disability is currently determined by severity of the disability, meaning that higher levels of disability result in higher payments. This new 8.7% increase will apply to all levels of disability (from 10% to 100%). This does not mean that one’s disability score will increase by 8.7%, but that their monthly payments will increase by that percentage. Luckily, everyone from the lowest to highest level will see some movement in their monthly payment amount. This increase will go into effect during the first full pay period of 2023. This 8.7% increase can be categorized as a cost of living adjustment.
WERE ANY OTHER CHANGES MADE TO VA DISABILITY?
The VA was aware that they needed to make some adjustments due to the state of the current economy in order to protect the overall well-being of veterans and their families. This is why the VA also announced a number of other changes that took effect on January 1, 2023. These changes include an increase in the rate for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses and children of deceased veterans, an increase in the mileage rate allotted for travel for VA related appointments, and an increase in clothing allowance for those suffering from service-related disabilities.
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WHAT DOES THE FUTURE OF THE VA LOOK LIKE?
The VA plans to continue its overall efforts of supporting veterans and their families through various resources such as healthcare, education, training, and vocational rehabilitation. The VA also attempts to give veterans the skills and training they need to re-enter the workforce. Furthermore, the VA also attempts to provide financial planning assistance for veterans through planning and budgeting tools and debt management programs.
While no financial assistance can replace the sacrifices veterans and their loved ones have made for our country, this 8.7% increase is a significant and tangible step in the right direction. At Wettermark Keith, we hope to see this much-needed payment increase alleviate some financial burden from veterans and their family members, providing a source of stability and security in hard times.
WETTERMARK KEITH: VA DISABILITY ATTORNEYS
If you need help understanding how this cost of living adjustments affects your monthly VA Disability payments, do not hesitate to contact an attorney at Wettermark Keith. Our VA Attorneys are also happy to help with declined compensation claims, appeals, and other adverse claim statuses. Contact us today at (877) 715-9300, on our online form, or through our website chat in order to set up your free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 8.7% increase in VA Disability payments for 2023 is calculated based on the current economic conditions, particularly inflation rates and cost of living changes. It reflects the government’s effort to align veterans’ benefits with these evolving economic realities, ensuring that their financial well-being is safeguarded against inflationary pressures.
Apart from disability payments, the VA offers a wide array of services to veterans. These include comprehensive healthcare services, educational opportunities, vocational rehabilitation, job training programs, and financial planning assistance. These services are designed to support the overall well-being of veterans and their transition to civilian life.
Veterans encountering difficulties or delays in receiving their adjusted disability payments should first contact their local VA office for guidance. If issues persist, seeking legal assistance can be a valuable step. Attorneys specializing in VA Disability, like those at Wettermark Keith, can provide expert advice, help navigate the system, manage appeals, and ensure that veterans receive the benefits to which they are entitled.
The 8.7% increase for 2023 is significantly higher than most annual adjustments in the past three decades. This notable rise reflects the VA’s response to the unique economic challenges faced in recent years, including higher inflation rates and increased cost of living.
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