What is the latest on the American Heroes COLA Act?

LCpl Timothy McCain — Sun, 12 Jun 2016 03:49:52 -0400

I can report that on June 8, 2016 the Senate veterans committee introduced thetheir version of the American Heroes COLA Act. The Senate bill is called Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2016 (S.3032). This is important because nearly everyone of the Senators on committee signed on to support the bill. And a previous bill passed the Senate unanimously last year. So what does this mean for the things we need to get done concerning pay? It makes it easier for the Senate to incorporate the things we want into the bill while the bill is still in committee. Is the bill ready for you to read? No. The bill hasn't been finalized. What can't you do to get a favorable result? Write your Senators and congressmen to request that these three things: 1. Give service connected disabled veterans a 25% disability pay increase not related to COLA. 2. Make Quality Of Life payments to veterans who have a service connected disability rating of 60% more. Using the disability scale making payments proportional to the veteran's disability rating and allow for back pay three e years for 100% or less and five years for permanent and total disability. Award veterans who have a service connected disability rating of 100% or permanent and total disability who are not receiving any military retirement pay the maximum amount of VA pension. Allowing for back pay three years for 100% disability and five years for permanent and total disability.