Pappas, Luttrell Introduce Two Bipartisan Veterans Bills to Increase and Improve Veterans Benefits

Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ranking Member of the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA), alongside Congressman Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Chairman of the Veterans Affairs DAMA Subcommittee Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, introduced the Veterans Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act of 2023 and Veterans Benefits Improvement Act.

“We have a solemn obligation to ensure the needs of our veterans are met,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m honored to partner with Congressman Luttrell on two critically important bipartisan pieces of legislation to ensure veterans’ benefits keep pace with our changing economy and reduce the VA claims backlog to minimize delays veterans face in accessing their earned benefits. I’ll continue working with my colleagues across the aisle to advance these bills and other important legislation on behalf of our veterans.”

“We have an obligation to support the veterans who have served and sacrificed for our country,” said Congressman Luttrell. “The legislation I introduced today will make certain our veterans receive the highest quality care and support by ensuring they can access the benefits they deserve and are able to meet their financial needs, especially in these challenging times. I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to improve the lives of veterans and their families.”

Background:

• The Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act (COLA) of 2023 would increase the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain veterans as of December 1, 2023. The increase in VA benefits would equal the cost-of-living increase provided for certain Social Security benefits. 
• Veterans Benefits Improvement Act would improve VA benefits accessibility by requiring that the Secretary publish disability benefit questionnaire (DBQ) forms on the VA’s website for use by a veteran’s private provider. It also includes a report on improving access to travel reimbursement pay for veterans living abroad who must attend a disability exam. Additionally, this bill would improve communication regarding the scheduling of disability exams between contractors, veterans, and the veteran’s accredited representative.