Veterans Benefits Expansion Act Aims to Increase Compensation for Severely Disabled Veterans and Survivors
Legislation introduced in the House of Representatives seeks to significantly increase benefits for the most severely disabled veterans and the surviving families of deceased servicemembers. The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act (H.R. 6047), introduced by Rep. Tom Barrett (R-MI) on November 17, addresses long-standing advocacy efforts to enhance support for those with the most significant service-connected disabilities.
The bill would increase Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) rates for categories R1, R2, and T, which are designated for veterans with the most serious disabilities. Additionally, it would raise Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) by one percent annually for five years, supplementing the yearly cost-of-living adjustment.
SMC provides compensation beyond economic loss, accounting for factors such as the severity of disability, personal inconvenience, and social impact. For example, veterans who have lost the use of their lower extremities receive compensation not only for reduced earning capacity but also for all associated hardships and ongoing costs.
DIC, established in 1993 to prevent survivor impoverishment, currently begins at $1,653.07 monthly for 2025, with increases for surviving spouses with eligible children under 18. The program has seen minimal adjustments since its inception, making this proposed increase the most significant enhancement to survivors’ benefits and SMC in years.
The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee will consider the legislation during a hearing scheduled for December 3 at 10:15 am ET, where PVA National Treasurer Tom Wheaton is scheduled to testify.
Oversight Hearing Examines VA Medical Disability Examination Office
The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs conducted an oversight hearing on November 20 focusing on the VA’s Medical Disability Examination Office (MDEO). The hearing addressed ongoing concerns about the oversight of contract examiners who conduct compensation and pension examinations.
The Government Accountability Office and MDEO’s Executive Director testified before the subcommittee, discussing GAO’s 2024 recommendations for improving oversight mechanisms. Recent reports have identified significant issues including procedural breakdowns in correcting examination errors, incorrect financial incentive payments to contractors, and inadequate feedback systems.
Subcommittee members expressed frustration when VA representatives were unable to provide answers to fundamental questions regarding contract spending, error rates, and planned improvements. Subcommittee Chairman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) indicated that VA officials would be invited to return for a future hearing with more comprehensive responses.
DOJ Investigates Theme Parks Over Rollator Walker Ban
The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into United Parks & Resorts Inc. following complaints that three Florida theme parks—SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando—have banned rollator walkers. The investigation will determine whether these policies violate Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires public accommodations to permit individuals with mobility disabilities to use wheelchairs and manually powered mobility aids in all publicly accessible areas.
Complaints allege that the parks prohibited rollator walkers with seats while offering alternative mobility aids for rent at additional cost, raising concerns about potential disability discrimination.
VA Warns of Benefits Overpayment Scam
The VA has issued an alert about scammers targeting veterans, surviving spouses, and family members by posing as VA representatives collecting benefit overpayments. The fraudulent communications use official-looking letters, emails, and texts featuring fake VA logos and letterhead.
Veterans who receive communications regarding benefit overpayments should verify the claim by logging into their official VA.gov account. The VA does not initiate phone calls about potential overpayments unless the beneficiary contacted them first. Those with legitimate debts can contact VA’s Debt Management Center to discuss repayment options.
