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The COLA increase for veteran disability benefits has to be approved each year by Congress.
UPDATE: On Tuesday, Nov. 27 President Obama signed into law a bill that gives veterans and survivors a 1.7 percent hike for the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Effective Dec. 1, the increase will appear on January paychecks—directly deposited on Dec. 31, 2012—and affect about 4 million veterans, military retirees and survivors.
The average increase in income for the year is $500. Dollar amounts will vary on an individual basis depending on disability rating.
A few weeks ago, the Senate passed the cost of living adjustment (COLA) bill for the 1.7 percent increase for military retirees and veterans’ survivors. Those affected by the increase will see the increase in monthly benefit payments in 2013. The House version of the bill that passed unanimously in June also called for a 1.7 percent increase.
The Senate acted swiftly when it returned from the election recess to guarantee January payments reflect the increase.
The COLA will increase pay for Social Security recipients and military retirees who receive disability compensation and pension, as well as veterans’ survivors who receive dependency and indemnity compensation.
Updated by Chris Birk. Follow Chris on Google+.
In July the 2013 cost of living allowance (COLA) increase for veteran disability benefits passed by unanimous vote in the House of Representatives, and now awaits a vote in the Senate. If passed, disabled veterans will receive the same increase in COLA as Social Security and retired military beneficiaries, an expected 1.3 to 1.9 percent bump, with the final calculation to be determined in October.
While unlikely, there is still a chance this year that federal beneficiaries might receive a reduced or no COLA increase at all as the result of upcoming budget cuts.
Congress continues to manually approve these increases every year despite bills such as the American Heroes’ COLA Act, which would make such increases automatic but has yet to be voted on by the House. Despite this, veterans have little cause to worry. COLA legislation typically gets passed like clockwork, and this year is looking to be no exception.
There is concern that the upcoming budget reduction agreement could include stipulations to reduce or remove 2013′s COLA increase. Even if the changes aren’t implemented in time to alter next year’s increase, there could be changes to the way the formula is calculated, resulting in beneficiaries receiving smaller increases in the future.
Still, the fact that lawmakers are passing this legislation early is a positive sign.
“Congress knows that veterans are dependent upon us acting in a timely manner with regards to their needs,” said Rep. Jon Runyan (R-NJ), one of the sponsors of the bill, in a recent news release. “By acting on the yearly COLA this summer instead of waiting until the last minute, we tell America’s veterans that we remain dedicated to ensuring that they are given the benefits they were promised when they signed up to serve.”
For more up-to-date news on veterans’ disability benefits, check out The Veterans Blog.
Photo courtesy of nebulux76.
104 Comments
if obama would reject the 1.3 to 1.9 percent cola and instead give us disabled veterans a 10 percent increase ! which would help all disabled veterans out quite a bit ! then and only then would i consider voting for obama ! because so far he has done nothing to help out the veterans who have served their country ! it seems that veterans are a patch on the road and they keep on running over us time and time again ! and we wear out all the time ! at bush gave the military and the social security a cola all 8 years !
and obama just being stingy gave us 2 during his whole 4 years , so that sucks especially at 1.3 to 1.9 percent increase ! right now i see no need to keep him in the office of the president ! we need somebody who gives a damn about this country’s veterans and disabled veterans !
THE DOLE COMMISSION SAID DISABLED VETS SHOULD HAVE A 25 PERCENT INCREASE. WHERE IS IT? ALL THESE POLITICIANS WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN IN COMBAT MAKE DECISIONS WHAT WE SHOULD
GET.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN REFUSE ALL THE RETIRED VETS A COLA AND GIVE JUST DISABLED A RAISE…DOES NOT SOUND LIKE A VERY WELL MEANT COMMENT FROM A VET???
Congress decides what we get, not the president.
Hopefully the original author understands that now.
Probably go on blaming Obama and watching Faux news. This do nothing congress is strangling the recovery of the entire nation.
Clearly you have a fundamental lack of understanding of how government works. No president can just wave their hand and give out increases. Checks and balances that require other branches of government to approve. Kind of scary that someone as ill informed as you are has the right to vote.
Love this comment!
Me too!
Really? Why then did he bypass congress and other branches of government to inplement laws and appoint persons to position without the proper approvals. He did this many times. He called it “out of session” appointments or some other hogwash. Now who has the fundamental lack of understanding anything Obama does?
They are called recess appointments, and clearly you have a fundamental lack of understanding as they are perfectly legal.
In his time in office President Obama has made only 32 recess appointments, far fewer than his predecessors; compare President Obama’s 32 with President Clinton who made 139 recess appointments and President George W. Bush who made 171 recess appointments.
When you look at the facts, your argument kind of falls apart.
http://www.senate.gov/CRSReports/crs-publish.cfm?pid='0DP%2BP%5CW%3B%20P%20%20
Sarah, your way too Inteligent to be on this Post. If they haven’t figured it out by now they never will. But as a 100% Combat Disabled Veteran I’d definitely want you on my team. But your like a Professional Boxer going against Amateurs. Their just not in your league. But Keep it Up.
Obama has managed to “wave his hand” and do anything he wanted to so far. The President DOES control all benefit increases by his veto unless the Democrats are willing to override him. I don’t think they will.
your wrong..as this president ruels through executive orders or directives therby steering clear of congress all together..With six of these executive orders just last year alone and soon to legalize some ten million illegals the same way..wise up genuis..
Wake uo , do some research before putting your foot in your mouth. They all do this.
I love this reply! It’s sad… just sad how people comment on things they know very little about!
You might have noticed, Obama seems to bypass Congress whenever he wants to do something they may not agree with.
And looking at the record, it seems like active duty, retired and disabled military seem to be crapped on at every opportunity.
Ignorance is our countries worst enemy.
Why would you make a comment like that, that is mean thing to say. I’m sure you are not as well informed on every issue in life, don’t put people down because you may know just a little bit more than they do, inform them so they can make wiser decision. Didn’t some one inform you?.
Shout your face……Stupid. We don’t need your vote. What have the republicans done for you.
Get a job, my husband is disabled vet and he works. Stop waiting for handouts. Its not Obama job to pay for your living. Military is a volunteer service.
Really lets me guess your husband got 30% or under? Not all Vets can work and as best as I can tell is they worked for it and gave up more the you will ever know just to have peoplpe like you turn your back on them when they needed the help but they sure didn’t turn their backs on people like you. Hand out , no a hand out is able bodied people doing nothing and getting something. These are vets unable to work, or can’t work 40 hours because of their willingness to make sure your family could stay safe.
Its amazing how people can be so heartless when they are up. I’m sure that if some people could find a job they would be glad to work instead of waiting to see if they are going to receive a check month to month. Have you not been following the economy, not many jobs out there, You should be thanking God for things being as well as they are, and pray for those that have to wait on help.
Get a job? Handouts? Your husband is a Disabled Vet & works + Military is volunteer service? How sad it is to read, hear & watch as so many seem to repeat your basic stupidity, ignorance along with lack of knowledge on men + women who enlist in a branch of our military only to end their military commintments by sacrificing body parts, health, time, family, lives and brain injuries. In 1975 I enlisted in the Army on the day I graduated from high school at the age of 17 for Airborne Infantry over the next 20+ years I served with distinction, honor. As a Soldier when I was injured, hurt my goals were to get back to work and prove I was able to compete & acheive missions, goals of our unit. My body which was telling me to stop, slow down due to life as a Soldier finally broke. Our unit parachuted and I snapped both legs upon landing. I fought to stay in for the next 26 months which I spent in hospitals, rehab. Then learned that due to use of toxic chemicals required for our job, I had kidney cancer which has came back twice. Missing body parts; lower right leg, kidney, part of liver & lung. Damage: deaf in one ear, ringing in other, minor stroke during surgery left me with 1-hand shakes/tremors, migranes, bladder damage, episodes where I lose control of bowels, nerve damage in what is left of legs thus legs are always in pain mode+cold+blue. Both eyes scratched from metal fragments. All by the time I was 39 years old, in the last 2 years I have began to fall quite often & have broken my nose while losing 4 teeth. Each night I dream about walking without pain, playing sports again, running 1 more time. Each morning I look in the mirror & still see an athletic, nice looking, active, non complainer, husband, father of 3 instead of the busted, broken person I am. I earned top honors/awards every promotion early without one black mark on my service. Being forced to accept a measly couple thousand dollars each month without a chance to earn more. It is still very difficult for me, an old school macho family man to watch my wife take the trash out, cut grass, carry bags from shooping do chores. So when you along with any others begin talking trash, giving your views, stereotypes about DAV, stop, think carefully then either shut up or learn what reality is. By the way two of our boys enlisted to serve their country after 9/11 even though each had full ride college athletic baseball scholarships. Both served 2 combat tours each and thankfully are now home trying to enjoy life.
I personally want to thank you for not only your service, but also for this comment. Not everyone suffers the same, there are those of us who appear to be quite capable on the surface, but underneath have scars that cripple us. Society is far to quick to rush to judgement on those who’s scars are not as easily seen. Ignorance by far is our countries worst enemy, not only for others but for our own livelihood. I really wish people would learn to stop themselves before they open their mouths and ask questions and try to inform themselves about things they do not understand before they decide how they really feel and what they can do to change things to make this a better world.
Thank you for your commitment to service and to this country as well as for your eye opening comment.
I enlisted during war, and was injured doing my job. Please let me dispel a few myths.
Myth #1: Only combat-injured vets deserve something. BS. I was just as willing to die and made the same commitment as the combat vet. He or she is worse off than me most likely, but not assuredly so.
Myth #2: Stop begging/whining/crying and be a productive member of society because you knew what you signed up for. BS. What I signed up for was a contract–I give life and limb in defense of this nation and the government honors its obligation to myself or my family later. That was what I agreed to at enlistment. I gave my nation 24/7 right of access to my body and the power to override my God-given will to live in exchange for pay, housing, benefits, vocation, honor and respect during service, and certain government guaranteed benefits, such as the right to burial in a national cemetery after my sacrifices were given. Every soldier not drafted into service makes this same bargain with Uncle Sam. “Volunteer service” my @55. That would be a militia.
Myth #3: You don’t look so bad. My friend/brother/husband/BFF is a disabled vet and can do XYZ, so you can do XYZ, too. BS. Where are you when I want to blow my brains out at 3 a.m. because I can’t sleep because the pain is so bad? Where are you when I have to listen to another dumb, ignorant, arrogant SOB talk about hand-outs for the disabled while controlling my military-given instinct to snap his neck and plant him 6 feet under?
So, the next time you feel the need to speak from ignorance (you know who you are), why don’t you find a veteran, thank him or her for their sacrifice–we all gave something… all gave some and some gave all. And then, before you say something offensive, find that lonely thought in your brain, kill it and bury it with your fear of fighting for everything you hold dear, and STFU.
I praise you my brother, I too am a victim of the military. busted up. it makes me angry when people talk about things they have no knowledge of or what’s it like to be a piece of a man. GOD BLESS YOU.
The President has nothing to do with COLA raises. That’s the way it’s always been.
The last I heard his TITLE was PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, I have never seen so much di-respect for a President in my life. This man has tried for 4 years with all the conviction in his HEART&SOUL to try and do everything that he could to show the WORLD and this Country on how not to be DIVIDED. For you James and others that don’t understand the President has no POWER to raise or lower your COLA’s. The contempt that is shown toward a man of this MAN’s integrity is absolutelly astounding. We all owe this PRESIDENT so much,but especially those that only see him as BLACK.GOD BLESS this MAN and these U——nited STATES OF AMERICA. And may JESUS help us all, For you sent a messenger too a Lot of in-atentive HEARS. May all that read this please PRAY and ask the LORD to forgive us all. Thank Floyd From Stockton, California.
I have to disagree with you, I have seen things from this man that make me believe he has no integrity. He needs to take a seat on the sidelines and not be President again.
Please elaborate. Specifically, what things have you seen. Pleas be specific.
what president have you seen, do as they promised? what president have you seen say ENOUGH corporate america, it’s time for americans to make what’s bought, sold and traded in the markets of America and the Stock exchange???? none because that was be considered communism, and we live under capitalism, which means to the greatest profit is the market, for those who run it, and own it, SO OUTSOURCING IS THE WAY OF THE LAND, AND FOR AMERICANS TO MAKE ANYTHING FOR THEIR OWN COMMUNITIES IS COMMUNISM, AND FOR THEM TO MAKE ANYTHING FOR THEIR OWN SOCIETY IS SOCIALISM, BUT CAPITALISM IS JUST THAT, CAPITAL CAPITAL CAPITAL, buy low, sell high,
What a idiot………The republicans don’t want to give you anything…………
Well said sir!
This man, on his own, has moved us from being the United States to about as divided as possible.
Veterans should remember that when we salute, use another Soldier’s rank when speaking to them is out of respect for the rank, position they hold. No matter whether you agree or do not, the only thing that is important is respect the rank, title, position and honor all who serve.
Thank you Floyd for that comment, I have been saying this for FOUR Years, I have never in my life seen so much disrespect for the President of the united states. Because this is a black man is the only reason why there is so much mess in the Washington. John Bainer called the President a thief on national TV.So much disrespect. Remind me of the days when people would hide their faces to do wrong, they don’t hide their faces anymore, they just formed the Republican party to legalize their wrong doings.
I agree. I would far rather forgo/ give my yearly increase up this year (disabled american citizen due to complications of/by systemic lupus) so that those who previously proudly served this country that are suffering physically, mentally, financially CAN GET A BREAK & BE FAIRLY COMPENSATED BY THAT SAME PROUD COUNTRY’S GOVT they once served. It’s not fair to put the veterans in this country in the same classification group as that of the Social Security Administration of disabled american citizens or regular retirees. I don’t understand why the Vets await & are held at the mercy of congress oct of every yr to see what Congress awards in COLA to regular disabled americans & retirees & base the same percentage to match COLA for VETS. Its not fair to them. I also feel all 3 categories should be a separate identified class publically & governmentally when it comes to discussing medical benefits, cola increases etc. To me being a 45 yr old disabled american citizen its quite confusing when THIS TIME OF YEAR OCT is open enrollment for medicare part d & when the media runs the commercials for the insurance carriers who are opting in & approved as PART D providers run such commercials are portrayed as if they are SOLELY FOR THOSE OF RETIREMENT AGE &/OR 65 & OLDER when thats simply not the case. You rarely ever hear a politician refer to Traditional Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Part D Rx Coverage & Social Security as that being part of an everyday american citizen who can no longer work is deemed disabled and can be ages 1 day old to age 65 (when social security disability benefits converts back social security retirement benefits)
I hope there are those out there that understand what Ive just stated because I have lived it and continue to do so & am also a mother of a son who served 8yrs as a SGT in the USMC & my daughter-in-law (his wife) who served 4 yrs as Cpl in the USMC & have witnessed 1st hand the personal effects & controversy of Veterans Affairs & if one thinks all is well with the world in the VA Dept of Affairs when Obama took office, think again. Yes I highly commend Michele Obama & Dr Biden (who I know personally cause Im from DE) for having true compassion for this nations vets but its NOT ENOUGH!!!!!!! I also have a law degree & what Ive seen in terms of VA claim movement is better than the BUSH years but not as fair & fast as the CURRENT ADMINISTRATION ALLEGEDLY CLAIMS IT TO BE. My daughter-in-law was injured in the beginning of year 2 of her 4 year comittment with the USMC & was deemed not fit for duty dec 2008 early jan 2009. Theres a process that a vet has to go through before they are fully released by the USMC/Dept of Defense. The degree of injury is decided by a medical review board in D.C., (thats where the hold up is) Although my daughter-in-laws commitment with the USMC was up in October of 2010, she was held beyond her commitment by Dept on Defense on light duty until Jan 1, 2012 because the Review Board had not yet submitted their findings to her attorney @JAG. These kids didnt sign up for this bullshit of playing a waiting game & not being fully informed of their rights & basically throw their hands in the air & accepts the findings of the Review Board in fear of if they fight for a higher degree of impairment (which is an option if you do not agree) for a higher disabled compensation rate, it might take another 2 to 3yrs for one to see an Decision a/k/a Award & the VA starts paying. We are talking about kids who are as young as 18 to people who are my age 45 who sacrificed their lives to give us the continued freedoms we all share today. It breaks my heart to know that here in DE we have a shelter known as THE HOME OF THE BRAVE that is currently housing disabled homeless veterans who have no home, no medical care NOTHIIIIIIING & one wonders why the sucidie rate or drug/alchol abuse rate is so high!!!! With age comes wisdom & not pacification. & Id gladly help out any Vet on any given day of the week (in terms of the legalities of what their legal rights are in laymens terms) to the best of my abilitly by not compromising my present deterorating condition for free. This is how strongly I feel about the situation. Thank you
If your daughter in law applied for benefits from non-combat related issues then I have no problem with her being put to the back of the line. I find there are many veterans who think disability is an added bonus for everyone who served and thus they think they are entitled to compensation as well as a speedy process.
Hey Don are you a VET?
Thank you, I love how some like to hang that type of label on us. Also for his enlightenment, once approved, VA and Social Security Disability is paid from date of application. A friend just got approved for 100% on his heart and a couple of thing, after seven years. The back pay paid off the home and every bill they had and still left money for the savings account.
1.3% was confirmed per this article – http://www.savingtoinvest.com/2012/10/2013-cola-increase-provides-a-1-3-raise-to-social-security-income-and-benefits-for-federal-and-military-retirees.html – pretty small increase!
vet watchgroups are claiming its higher to 1.7,,,
and yes, that’s very small considering the price of utilites and goods has increased since last year, and the last decade.
I am a disabled vet but also a realist. I couldn’t with any good conscience expect or want our country to pay out a huge COLA increases, 1 to 3 percent is enough. I hear people talking about 10% or even 25% increases, that is terrible for our country. We have enough debt!
Maybe you feel that guilt because you didn’t earn your benefits via real and serious injuries sustained from war but many of us did and sure as heck don’t feel guilty about getting what is owed to us by a grateful nation. You sir do not speak for me or the thousands of other veterans who earned and rely on their benefit increase.
Well said!
I doubt Don is a Combat Disabled Veteran. Sounds like a ptsd supply clerk. But he and some of the others here have expressed that they deserve to be first over other Veterans Claims and that they should receive more money. As a 100% Combat Disabled Veteran who still carries the bullet that paralized my leg in my hip I CANNOT DISAGREE MORE WITH THE CRAP HE and SOME OTHERS HERE HAVE POSTED.Maybe he and the others should go back to school and pay attention this time. Learn it before you spew it.
Disgusted by your labeling and ignorant comment.
Don dosen’t speak for Disabled Veterans either. Not me for sure.
TO DONW: so are you saying that someone in a combat mos that’s training for combat and is injured shouldn’t get comp and pen?
If they sustain injuries bad enough they shouldn’t be retired medically if that training results in disabilities that end their military career?
What kind of crap statement is that?
Anyone in a combat zone, that’s wounded whether in a combat MOS or not can get above serv connected va comp and pen, they can get CRSC.
Anyone wounded/injured training for combat in a combat MOS even if in a non combat zone also can get CRSC on top of their VA comp and pen, and also collect what they medical-ed out on top of all that.
50 percent of life in a combat zone is still training if in a combat MOS.
99.9 percent of combat MOS field life in a non combat zone is training for war.
You are dangerous with your ignorant foolish statements even though you offer some wise political statements.
Don W I have read the comments over and over, I am a Vietnam Vet. USMC 100% Dis. Even now I have too take Med.just to go to seep and then not for very long. I have held judgement on this however all I can come up with is You are just stupid sorry there is no med. For that.
Most definitely, in this time of crisis with the economy, I’d be willing to not take a increase
I will gladly take your share of the increase. I NEED it. I DESERVE the increase.
The C&P raters(they have NO medical training at all) only gave me 50% disability but the VA DOCTORS who treat me say I cannot work at all due to what happened to me when I was in the military through no fault of my own. The doctors are the ones who have been to medical school and should be the ones who determine whether or not someone is disabled and to what percentage, not some person with NO medical background. I want to see those “raters” live on the $797 I get a month to live on.
I did my job and now it is time for the government to do its job!
Appeal, if you are told by Doctors you can’t work you need to do two things. If you are 30% apply for Vocational Rehab, they will send you to school, pay all expenses and furnish any tool you need to accomplish that education. They pay you a monthly amount in addition to your disability and it is tax free also. You are still eligible for Pell Grants and if the VA has an office in your are, they give you 100 hours a semester of work study at minimum wage with no income tax too. Also if the Doctors put you can’t work in your record file an appeal and fight all the way to Federal Court in D.C. You get paid for all time from date of application. If too late to appeal apply for unemployability, paid at 100% rate. Good luck. If you don’t already get one of the Service Organizations to work for you too, I have DAV but VFW and American Legion do the same.
Like Lee said, appeal, and keep appealing until they do something.
Smart man….
I’M A SERVICE CONNECTED DISABLED VET! INJURED IN ACTIVE DUTY. WE GET ONLY A1.3% INCREASE. ON V.A. BENEFITS PAYMENTS. WHAT A CHUMP CHANGE INCREASE! AS EVERYTHING ELSE GO’S UP SKY HIGH IN U.S.A.. LIKE “GASOLINE PRICES”, “FOOID”, “RENT” ETC…! OH I VOTED FOR MITT ROMNEY! NOT FOR A CONTINUATION OF THAT BIDEN OUR TIME ABOMANATION IN THE WHITE HOUSE!!
I’m a service connected disabled vet also. Served 24 years and retired E8. This is a spit in the face to me. What a disgrace for the pay the military have to live on compared to what our civilian leaders get paid. If a military member preformed the way our leaders are able to they would be kicked out or in jail. Thank You for nothing.
You are disrespectfull and should get what you deserve the NOTHING you prefer. This country is in a terrible financial state brought on by the stupidity of Reaganomics and Bush tax breaks for millionaires. When people demand fair taxes on the rich, the VA costs will be negligible and social security secure once again. I am a 100% disabled service connected veteran and proud to have voted to keep Romney from destroying the things that make this nation great. If you are so stupid you voted for Romney who considers all disabled vets part of the 47% who are leeches, you dont deserve ANY benefit.
Maybe you should GET A JOB. I and many other 100% disabled veterans are able to work. Life isn’t a Rose Garden, no one guaranteed you it would be easy. I have pain everyday with the bullet in my hip. I hurt just sitting or trying to sleep. But thats what I deal with. Life is tough so deal with it.Maybe you could go CRY on Romneys shoulder and see if he’d care. Your just part of the 49% he dosen’t care about. If your NOT than you have plenty of money anyway.
Some of us are unable to “GET A JOB”.Everyones circumstances are different. If we could work we would. Did not ask to unemployable!
Would you rather get nothing??? With our countries budget crisis, which did not happen overnight, and talks of going over the fiscal cliff, we very well could be looking at a 0% increase. Seriously, I would appreciate what little I get.
i’m just grateful the nation even gives me anything at all. i knew the risks.
I agree with Kevin.We are so fortunate to have a country that cares enough about it Veterans to even consider a cola. To do this when everyone is wanting the Federal Deficit to be lower. Were all in it togeather, well some of us are the others are just looking after themselves.
The cola is only 1.7, Clinton once got us a 3.8 and I think that was the highest I’ve seen, maybe a 4.2. 1.7 means about 5-50 dollars for most veterans monthly added to their award//VA waiver. They say we will start getting higher COLA’s once America get out of this slump and the consumer index, etc, is leveled and we are making more money than spending. Well as I can see, everything in Walmart, Kmart, Macy’s, Sears, LOWES, is still going for higher prices and everyones buying constantly, and I don’t see anyone driving beater vehicles and it seems everyones doing just fine that I think corporate america could share the wealth!!! Come on OBAMA you promised us! And so did you Uncle Sam.
Actually 1.7 percent COLA means for the brunt of service connected disabilities of 10-60 percent, about 5-35 extra dollars per month. NOT ENOUGH TO BUY A TRUCK, AND/OR BOAT….
Forget trying to buy a truck or boat. A 1.7% increase for those who have a 10-60% disability rating is BARELY enough to buy ONE MEAL A MONTH. How does these idiots sleep at night?
A person who is 50% rating currently makes $797/month. With a 1.7% increase they will make $810/month. How do they expect anyone to survive? How do they live with themselves? I want to see congress live on what I make a month. They wouldn’t be able to make it week on that and I have to live an entire month on it.
Yet again Eliz, appeal your claim. Once you get your rating up to 70%, I’m pretty sure that is the the criteria(unless it’s changed) you can apply for Unemployability. The unemployability will fill the gaps and bring you up to a full pension payment. Keep your head up and keep fighting, complaining will get you no where.
I am a disabled veteran and have been fighting for an increase since 2008…for injuries aggravated because I was MADE to return to duty and serve even with the neurological injuries that I had sustained during the Gulf Ward. Our waste is coming from those who are employed by the Federal Govt ..the VA hospitals( I am ashamed to say I work at this one in Dublin Ga)….the waste is when there is gross mismanagement, supervisors and managers *steal* for performance appraisals…the Veterans are the workers on the bottom of the pole and we get discriminated against because we advocate for ourselves and we are disabled. They need to be careful who they hire in the VAs to represent us especially if they are not their for our medical needs…they hold up positions once reaching their 30 years or employment. I am a victim of the VA because of their prohibited personnel practices and how they will choose any one out the kitchen, off the street or nepotism to prevent a veteran career progression. Write your Congressmen and tell them of the fraud in the governmental agencies…unless you are one of the ones who are stealing from the Veterans and the VA…and you must respond
I wonder what all those in congress are getting for an increase. When we didn’t get anything for 2 years, you know they got theirs. Not the way its supposed to be. They work for us. We fought to keep them free. When did they lose track of that? I give up.
Background on the 25% BASE increase campaing speil and why ColA for Disabled Veterans is tied to SS. For many years/ decades VA Disablity pay was not adjusted at the same rate as Military or SS rates. And goodeness knows NONE of us 47% “entitlement” peeps are gettignt he yearly raise % that congress gets. Well over those decades it is estimated that the rates for Service Connected disabled Veterans was “short changed” by about 25% of base. A couple well heeled in how to use the Veteran votes hoodwinkers decided to run on a platform of raiseing Disablity base rate by 25% (this was about 10 years ago not recently by the way). They played thier dog and poney show got reelected then conveniantly forgot about that whole equalization promise. They did however decide that they would put forth the idea that from hence forth have the Disablity and SS rates tied to the same rate (By the way the rate is not based on Cost of Living for SS or VA Disablity it is based on wage rates for the US and those have fallen dramatically over the last 10 years.) The change to using the same rate as SS was ONLY approved because it was put forth in a year when the wage rates had fallen so drastically that there would not be a increase for multiple years. So when you hear news that they are planning to “change the formula” again it will be because the wage rate increases and they want to change back to the old way that undercut us. Current rate based on wage rate changes I think it is actually a secritary’s rate in LMI that is used but I would have to reread it to remember exactly which O-Net job code it is that is used I know it is under office administration.
Iam a vietnam vet.It took me dieing in the V.A.hospital several times from my heart.It took me 40 years for someone in the V.A. to listen to me that I WAS DIEING,NO ONE BELEIVED ME,UNTIL I FLAT LINED IN THE HOSPITALS DOORWAY.It does matter to me that all veterans are not treated with dignaty aand RESPECT.I think all this talk is just that Talk.I could use the extra cash to pay for different health insurance so I could have a chance to live a little longer.
So Really, how is a heart condition service connected ? You really should be Grateful that they considered you at all. Especially when there are Real Combat Service Connected Veterans waiting to be seen at the VA hospitals.
I served as an 11B for 18 yrs 10 mo 25 days and
in 2004 I recieved a 70% and paid 100% for uninployable at the same time I have two young boys to take care of ages now 12 and 13 yrs of age and with out the CHAMP V.A. and Comacery
and the little money I get which is about the
base pay of a E-5 with no service time…
Please excuse me a little head dammage so I am not as fast with the head so please excuse me..
Now I do not live high on the hog but I would love to be able to work and make some kind of Money to better myself but I am dam thankfull
for what I get and when I thank of family members who were hurt severly in WW11 one at
the BATTLE OF BASTONE and another at Iwo jima
and both only recieved 40% for real sever wonds
yes I am dam thank full for what I get and just look we are a young country still and how far we have come in just over 236 yrs but yes I do
believe America can always do better so say what you want and need we can inprove.. God Bless….
AIR BORNE AIR ASSAULT LETS GO AGAINE PLEASE..
I am a disabled veteran who is going to be forced to move to the woods and live in a tent as there will be nowhere I can go otherwise. It seems that too much emphasis was placed upon giving massive amounts of money to the wrong people. In the end, we are being made to pay the price for this. All Obama has managed to do s shift the wealth where the poor individual gets even less. On the other hand, banks, insurance companies, and corporations, etc. got way much more. I live in subsidized housing, due to being in a wheelchair. Because of freezing of the requirements to live in these places and colas simultaneously, giving this and next year’s to us without changing housing qualifications has made it so that I am always $330 over for the year to qualify for anything. Now, I suspect that I need to take to the woods until I starve and or freeze to death. I just wonder how many others find themselves in this predicament.
It would seem that Ketchem Kennth is or lives on another planet. It is obvious he knows nothing about business and also that what this past election has not only shown he and the rest of America which is that Republicans cannot be trusted. It was shown how BIG BUSINESS was frothing at the mouth and millions were just flowing like rivers into the campaign coffers of Rommy’s side. BIG BUSINESS just knew that once he was elected they could just rewrite the tax laws, rearrange the trade restrictions, undo all the Dodd – Frank restraints placed on wall street and banks. The American people smelled and saw a rat. that is why the BIG BUSINESS folks are boot licking now. All that the republicans have done since Obama was elected was to try to make things fail at every turn. turn the clock back and look at the “DUBYA” years/ let’s see. took office he had 836 billion dollar surplus and a balanced budget, left office with Trillion dollar in the RED and counting still. Wall street when they got caught? just stand on the sidelines and have their arms crossed. If the Republicans were willing to tell the ones who pay for their $700.00 lunches that it is time to pay up and make heavy investments in America we would be in better shape, but for them it is hard to get their face out of the trough.
I don’t believe K has the inteligence to realize this. I mean he’s complaining about the little money he receives yet he supported a candidate who could care less about his situation. I think if he had a brain he be playing with it. Maybe thats his problem, and many others here too.
Congress recent increases:
Notice how it was contained durring the Clinton administration and the Obama administration vs where it went with the “conservitive” George W. Bush administration.
AS A NOTE: Congress is required by Article I, Section 6, of the Constitution to
determine its own pay. Pay adjustments can be enacted through stand-alone
legislation or through a commission process, but most commonly member salary
increases are implemented through an automatic annual adjustment process in
which members receive an automatic “cost of living” allowance increase.
The salary increase takes effect on January 1 of each year unless Congress
votes to decline it, though individual members can opt to decline an automatic
annual pay increase. Both houses of Congress voted not to raise member salaries
for 2010 or 2011.
Some Congressional Salary History:
Note: House leaders earn more.
Since 1990 to 2003 congressional pay has increased from $98,400 to $154,700, mostly during Republican president Bush;
2013 – To be determined.
2012 – No pay increase.
2011 – No pay increase;
2010 – No pay increase;
2009 – 2.8 percent raise, bringing the annual salary to $174,000;
2008 – 2.5 percent raise, bringing the annual salary to $169,300;
2007 – No pay increase;
2006 – 1.9 percent raise, bringing the annual salary to $165,200
A look at U.S. Per Capita Pay vs Congress Pay:
2009: Per capita, $39,138 – Congress pay, $174,000
2008: Per capita, $40,166 – Congress pay, $169,300
2007: Per capita, $39,392 – Congress pay, $165,200
2006: Per capita, $37,698 – Congress pay, $165,200
2005: Per capita, $35,424 – Congress pay, $162,100
2004: Per capita, $33,881 – Congress pay, $158,100
2003: Per capita, $32,271 – Congress pay, $154,700
2002: Per capita, $31,462 – Congress pay, $150,000
2001: Per capita, $31,145 – Congress pay, $145,100
2000: Per capita, $30,318 – Congress pay, $141,300
1999: Per capita, $28,333 – Congress pay, $136,700
1998: Per capita, $27,258 – Congress pay, $136,700
1997: Per capita, $25,654 – Congress pay, $133,600
1996: Per capita, $24,442 – Congress pay, $133,600
1995: Per capita, $23,262 – Congress pay, $133,600
1994: Per capita, $22,297 – Congress pay, $133,600
1993: Per capita, $21,385 – Congress pay, $133,600
1992: Per capita, $20,799 – Congress pay, $129,500
1991: Per capita, $19,818 – Congress pay, $125,100
A change we need to make is with the government
pension plan and benefits. It needs to go more toward a 401k or similar plan as
more organizations have already done. The older pension plans private or public
are outdated and running companies into the ground. I will have a similar effect
on our government (federal and state pension plans).
How about DISABLED VETERANS be EXEMPT from paying Income taxes,which are Illegal anyway for ANYBODY!
I am 100% disabled PVA. I manage by eating day old sandwiches, eggs, hot dogs (when they are on sale for $1), haven’t eaten beef since ????. vegatables hahaha. Bananas yes fruit no.Haven’t seen the inside of Taco Bell, Jack in the Box, Mickey D, Carls Jr since the 80′s BESIDES I AM DOWN TO 7 TEETH The rest are broken possibly to to my diet and i can’t the broken pulled NO MONEY, Haven’t had money for a well balanced meal, can’t afford a disabed bus pass let alone a car.
I got married almost 4 years ago, haven’t seen my wife since we were married. In order for me to be with my wife, I need to go homeless for 3 months to save up enough money to move where I can afford to buy a house, eat shrimp to my hearts content (FRESH, HUGE AND $4 A KILO), and breathe CLEAN AIR…
BE WEHRE PEOPLE ARE SUPER FRIENDLY AND FAMILY VALUES STILL EXIST its like being in a throw-back 1950′s. And most important people speak english. I am talking about the Philippines. OMG DON’T KNOW WHAT I WILL DO WITHOUT THE STRESS OF DAILY EXISTENCE!!! HEY I CAN EVEN AFFORD TO 1/2 A DOZEN RUG RATS…. My biggest STRESS is getting my much needed medication shipped to the Philippines. Cant use the Philippines VA because I am only 15% service connected even tho my 100% rating was do to a low risk VA operation that went kaputt. AS FOR MY TEETH FULL IMPLANTS COST WHAT YOU WOULD PAY HERE IN THE U.S. FOR ONE OR TWO!!!! I LEAVE BEHIND NO EXTENDED FAMILY AND GO TO WHERE I’VE NOW BEEN ASSIMILATED BY 2!!!
WE CAN PISS ‘N MOAN BITCHING ABOUT THE THINGS THAT SHUD BE AND CONTROLLED BY THOSE THAT ARE ENEPT TO OUR REALITY. I REALIZE WHAT I WAS DEALT AND HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT…
As for the 1.3 or 1.7% cola it will cover the cost of a dropping dollar in the exchange rate.
If I am wrong, correct me, but isn’t it true that the president does NOT make the rules or the laws as much as we think..it is THE BILDERBURGS>>>THE ILLUMINATI…those secret summit meetings….
There is so much bias in this conversation and also and I sit here and listen to both sides act as if they are more rIghteouness than the other. You are all veterans and me as well being a veteran. Soldiers don’t fret in politics, it doesn’t make sense in war therefore we all know that politics is a game of persuasion, manipulation, and interests. I think of all that state this politician is of greatness, compassion, heart, and even soul but have never truly witnessed any of this but have only built this in a belief based on advertising, local acceptance, favoritism, belonging, hereditary direction. On the opposite side of the extremely distant side of the spectrum noted only to be the complete opposite of the view is the people who practice every sense of the pro-politician in the era but just practice to reciprocate no matter the ideas and beliefs. These people are known as radicals. I leave with only one comment- work together. Introduce understanding by showing humbleness and invitation. Destroy your convictions based on judgement and shut you mouth and listen to the opposition and then remain quiet until your mind can attempt tO broaden.
I am a Vietnam Disabled Veteran rated at 80%. I was off the coast of Iran in January 1981 when Iran released the hostages. In 1986 I was in an accident on the U.S.S Carl Vinson CVN-70 and broke my back (L5). In August 1987 they operated on my and removed the left side of L5, part of my disc at L5 and removed bone from my left hip to do 2 bone graphs for support. I suffer pain 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If I sit for long (my feet swell), if I stand for long my back hurts and I have to sit (catch 22). I have an 80% disabilty rating, I can’t get a job because I have to release any information on existing medical conditions that might affect my job performance, and when I do NO ONE WILL HIRE ME? because I am TOO MUCH of a financial risk! I have been turned down twice for 100% Disabilty by the VA and SSA. I now live in Vietnam where (at least) I can afford to live. I can’t work, I can’t get hired and I can’t afford to live in my own country. I agree that DAV’s who were injured while doing their duty should receive some additional consideration/compensation, BUT not 10-25%, maybe 5 to 8 %.
I think congress should give up everything and live on veterans pay with only 1.7 increase, After all congress headed by Boehner does nothying to deserve being paid!
Haha, nice try Mike. A congressman’s business is politics. Even if they had a disability income, they would still be corrupt and would be doing deals on the side to make extra money. That’s how politics works. lol Who ever heard of an honest politician??? If you ever thought you met one, they were doing a great job with their politics and fooling you.
when will veterans stop complaining about what they get i,m 25 a year veteran of two wars the government don,t owe me, they not suppose to take care you for life , get off your ass and work, 10 or 100 % help your self get off your ass military teaches pride not just to beg and and beg for handouts.
I’m rated at 70% but being paid at the 100% Unemployability rate. I tried for nearly 10 years to finish my Bachelor’s degree. Naturally I never could finish it due to my injuries. Even the VA Voc Rehab refuse me due to what they call me as “Medically Unstable.”
I took a severe injury to my hip which has been a domino effect of spinal problems. Degeneration, Scoliosis, Bulged discs, Spinal Stenosis and a few other things going on. Most of the time my feet are numb. My prognosis I will wake up one day and be paralyzed from the waist down.
I didn’t join the Army and volunteer to be injured. I was a 19D and my injuries killed my military career instantly.
So any COLA increase I can get, I’m very thankful for knowing that the cost of everything else will outweigh the COLA. But its better than nothing at all.
Great attitude of gratitude! Fight for what you deserve, but be thankful for what you have! Love it!
I wanted to also add that I’m a Life time member of the DAV. I’m currently working on paying off my VFW Life time membership. Finally I’m a member of the American Legion.
The VFW was the first organization that helped me get my 10% rating. After talking to the older Vets during the 300 mile drive one way for medical treatment, they said to switch to the DAV.
I did and they went to bat for me. So when I won my rating, the first thing I did was get my DAV Life Time Membership. My way of giving back for their help representing me during the final 3 hearings I had.
Before I even went into the Army, I was a Volunteer at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City. I’m a firm believer in helping other veterans through the 3 organizations I’m a member of.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone.
The problem is not the President. WE have a NO NOTHING, DO NOTHING Congress. The new crop are only interested in what they can get. They don’t care about the top 2% tax raises, but only care that their taxes will go up. Most of the new crop are still wet behind the ears and need to live in the real world. PUT YOUR EGOS ON HOLD AND DO WHAT IS BEST FOR THE 98%.
In 2001 my first VA Compensation check was 2107/mo.
Starting in January 2013 my check will be 3245/mo.
Thank you for your service, I wish that it was more money, but I am happy to be alive and spending time with my wife and kids. The system is in need of a realistic compensation plan that actually allows for a little more than just basic living expenses. With three kids, a mortgage, a car payment, and one in college(even though she is chapter35) we are lucky to make it.
We deserve a lot more than what we get. Most people don’t realize the a DAV 100% unemployable falls into societies lower class. Basicaly we are poor and we are stuck with what we get. I have kids and this Christmas was sad, I should be able to afford to do things for my kids that the average middle income familly can but I can’t. I don’t get any special help like all these obama voters. They give us just enough that we don’t qualify for assistance. I don’t feel appreciated and it makes me mad that my kids have to do without because I choose to protect our country. It’s backwards if you ask me, I shouldn’t have to live check to check and the settlement the army gave me when I was medically discarged was a joke. Based on 10% I get to the va and automatically unemployable. The army screwed me over I think my back and the mental battles I have to deal with are worth way more than 10,000 after taxes of course. I joined for all the right reasons and this is how I get repaid for the sacrifices I made and now my familly suffers too. I seriously feel like our military gave me the shaft now the $ I recieve is a slap in the face. I’d like to take my kids places and be able to buy them new clothes and other things we deserve. But sad to say that’s not the case, this DAV has been and it looks like noting is going to change, lives month to month and I dam sure don’t feel appreciated other than when I go to my kids school on veterans day and see how proud my daughter is. I never got any award or acknowledgement of my sacrific just hard times. Makes me sad especially when my boy says he wants to be a soldier like I was. If I would have known this is how I would have been treated not only by the army but the people in this country. I would have kept working in the oil field. Obama what has he done, he’s not raising anything every so many years there is an increase,it’s called inflation but what we are about to start recieving doesn’t add up to the value of a dollar and true cost of living. Our compensation is a joke we deserve twice what we are getting. I wanna see some news coverage about how vets are living and getting by. We’ve seen the homeless under bridges but what about us that have famillies now.We are a younger generation of DAV’s and our famillies deserve better from our gov! No matter who’s in office, Obama is a joke he’s passing out weapons to the enemy and cutting back our military. Clinton didn’t exactly help our military and his ole lady is up there doing what? Sorry to rant but I’m sick of it, my life has already made a drastic change physically and mentally but here I am barelly getting by after serving as a gunner in OIF risking my life and this is how I’m appreciated? There are a lot of things I need and my kids need I think we have sacrificed enough especially for a nation who doesn’t appreciate what I’ve done for them. Way things are going in 5 or so years I’ll be the homeless DAV living under a bridge and loss my familly. It’s already happening to soldiers of OIF. That is reality this country is not taking care of our veterans. Maybe if we put together a million soldier march on the white house something may change but we’d prob end up in jail and obama would make cuts to our benefits.
How can 1.7% increase be enough to cover the higher prices of food, fuels, utilities, rent, clothing and forget about entertainment ?
Thank you so much for the $4.00 increase in my disability pension. I feel honored that my country is willing to give so much to those of us who served.
NOT FOR NOTHING WE HAVE TO GET TOGETHER AND WORK TO GETHER FOR WHAT IS NEEDED BY VET’S FOR VETS. WE HAVE MORE VOTS THEN WE KNOW. ALL THOSE HOMELESS VETS HAVE VOTING POWER. WE CAN MAKE CHANGE FOR US. WE HAVE POWER WE HAVE TO USE IT. STOP FIGHTING EACH OTHER AND COME TOGETHER. FIND SOME ONE THAT SPEAKS FOR US AND PUT OWER POWER BEHIND THEM.
WE ARE WEAK AS ONE BUT AS A PLATOON WE CAN DO THIS EVERY ONE OF YOU KNOWS HOW TO LEAD AND MAKE MISSION.
YES I AM A VET AND WE ARE NOT WEAK!!!!!!
ok here my comment . i was in from 1980/1988 .it toke me over 20 years to get my disabitly to 80% so if you who thinks its a cake walk to get what you was told or promised then think again because if you dont make copies of your records then you might as well just get ready to sit back an wait . the VA doesnt want to pay you know matter how much you hurt or cant walk sleep or eat . an when congress has a atuo pay increase an medicail . then what is wrong with the veteren being able to live also . i could go on just not worth the time to say more because if you havent been in my shoes an fighting every mintue to get what your contract said when you signed the papers to go for uncle sam then whats wrong with this picture . if you get hurt on the job you go to court an file workers comphesion . but not with the goverment .
I agree wholeheartedly. I’m a combat service disabled veteran at 80% with three children and a wife. My wife works, kids go to school and are growing FAST. It takes a lot of money to raise three kids. a 1.7% increase is the equivalent of about 27 dollars a month. Take a look at gas alone. For example, one tank of gas a week at say 3.15 per gallon (just a number)this year. To fill up my gas tank I usually pay around 60 bucks. With the price of gas going up and the president signing the bill to have a higher tax on gas, economists say it will be up by about 2.00 this time next year. I’m looking at about 4,820 dollars for gas next year. This isn’t much considering over the course of 2013 my raise will be equal to about 325 dollars….
At least the price of gas is going down. It could still be hovering near $5 a gallon.
Actually where I live it hasn’t gone down much at all. My vehicle requires the fuel that is 89 Octane.
The Exxon station in town it was $3.59 to $3.79 most of the time. Go like 25 miles to the east and get the same fuel from an Exxon station at $3.29 on Dec 12th. In my town it was $3.79 on Dec 12th at the local Exxon station.
They price gouge in this town.