VA Disability Rates Rise; Veterans With Mesothelioma Benefit

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has increased its monthly payments to disabled veterans by 8.7%, the largest annual increase in 40 years. Veterans who developed disabilities caused by asbestos exposure during military service – including mesothelioma cancer – are among those receiving the increase, which began on Dec. 1. VA disability payout increases are based on the latest cost of living adjustment done annually by the Social Security Administration. Soaring inflation and rising prices prompted the much-needed increase. “After a year of historic inflation, it’s great to see the federal government recognize this impact on veterans and adjust the VA benefits accordingly,” said Aaron Munz, a former U.S. Army captain and director of the Veterans Department at The Mesothelioma Center. Veterans Disability Payments Are Tax-Free With this latest increase, a single veteran with a 100% disability rating will see their monthly payout rise from $3,323.06 in 2022 to $3,621.95 in 2023. Benefits for a veteran with a spouse will go from $3,517.84 each month to $3,823.89 in 2023. Disability compensation is a tax-free payment made monthly to military personnel who sustained an injury or illness during their time in service. The amount paid is not affected by income level, a VA pension or other benefits. Disability level, which is interpreted on a percentage scale, determines the amount of compensation. Mesothelioma cancer, if traced to military servi...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Asbestos Exposure Veterans Source Type: news