Senate passes bill to increase benefits for veterans with disabilities

The Senate passed a bill to increase cost-of-living benefits for veterans with disabilities by unanimous consent Tuesday.

The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act passed in the House in July, which means the bill will now head to President Obama’s desk for his signature.

H.R. 4114 directs the secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for veterans with disabilities and dependency compensation for surviving family members by Dec. 1.

Rep. Jon Runyan (R-N.J.) introduced the bill, and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee leaders, Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and ranking member Richard Burr (R-N.C.), supported the measure.

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