Does anyone know why veteran's who have a disability rating and receive compensation are not getting an increase this year? After looking at the 2008 pay rates it seems that no one will be getting an increase in January like past years. Anyone know the details?
2007-12-25 07:53:23 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Disability payments is being increased by only 2.2 percent on Jan Ist. It is the exact same as the meager increase for social security. It is called the (very, small) COLA—Cost of living adjustment. The COLA increase for 2006 & 2007 combined did not cover the increase in just taxes, food, gas, or utilities. You are asking why the VA budget has not been passed and increased yet, here is the explanation;;
Our democrat congress took the needed additional $3.7 billion in funding away from the VA’s 2008 proposed budget, and replaced it with their own personal PORK. It now sits alone and requires a separate signature from President Bush as $3.7 billion in “emergency funding” for Veterans Affairs. It seems congress even forgot to declare the “emergency” or request emergency funding.
And while most are expecting the VA to remain grossly under funded, I believe that with President Bush's intelligent fiscal responsibility, he understands how our nation does not need more research on family dysfunction, crime, homelessness or suicide. Modern society as a whole cannot handle this capacity of veterans repeating the years following Nam. This necessary $3.7 billion emergency funding for the VA is cost effective insurance for our children’s future.
To try and save face this past Friday, seven democratic senators sent President Bush a letter saying this level of funding is essential to providing adequate service to American Veterans;
http://www.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?7867568d-b087-4707-a702-a39c24b8f6ea
2007-12-25 09:00:40 · answer #1 · answered by pacer 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Most likely the increase will be posted soon. Congress waited until the last minute to pass the appropriations bill for the DOD and VA. They were playing games as usual.
The increase amount is still not known or at least to us yet, it usually follows the SS increase which was 2.3% this year.
2007-12-25 08:40:23 · answer #2 · answered by Sgt Big Red 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Bush has fought very hard to no only increase their compensation, but to lower their benefits. Believe what he does and not what he says. It is NOT the VA that determines this, they are not to blame. They only work within the laws and guidelines and budget provided for them.
2007-12-25 08:20:31 · answer #3 · answered by lcmcpa 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Lets hope that all it is, is that the funds are tied up by congress and they will get their act together and correct this soon. Good Luck and Thank you for serving.
Vet-USAF
2007-12-25 08:15:57 · answer #4 · answered by ฉันรักเบ้า 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I guess Bush is waiting to see how many more military he can kill and injure before he makes any decisions. This way he can take this small pot of money and spread through more disabled veterans who have to fight longer and harder for their benefits....
to my son Robert - I told you so, that Bush was horrible on this!
2007-12-25 12:28:53 · answer #5 · answered by Empress Jan 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋