Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025
Summary
The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025 aims to increase the rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors. These adjustments will be effective December 1, 2025.
The increases will match the percentage increase in Social Security benefits, ensuring that veterans' compensation keeps pace with the cost of living. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is responsible for implementing these changes and publishing the adjusted rates in the Federal Register.
This act directly impacts veterans and their families by providing them with increased financial support to offset rising living expenses.
Expected Effects
This act will result in higher compensation payments for veterans with service-connected disabilities and their survivors. The specific dollar amounts will be adjusted based on the Social Security Act's cost-of-living adjustment.
Veterans and their families will see an increase in their monthly payments, providing them with additional financial resources. The adjusted rates will be published in the Federal Register, making the information publicly accessible.
Potential Benefits
- Increased financial support for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
- Increased financial support for the survivors of certain disabled veterans.
- Ensuring that compensation rates keep pace with the cost of living.
- Automatic adjustments tied to Social Security increases, providing predictability.
- Public availability of adjusted rates in the Federal Register.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- The increase is dependent on the Social Security Act's cost-of-living adjustment, which may not fully reflect the specific needs of veterans.
- The act does not address other potential issues affecting veterans, such as healthcare access or employment opportunities.
- Potential administrative delays in implementing the adjustments.
- The act does not provide additional support beyond the cost-of-living adjustment.
- No specific disadvantages are apparent.
Constitutional Alignment
This act aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "provide for the common defence" and "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). Providing compensation to veterans with service-connected disabilities and their survivors is a recognized responsibility of the government.
Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to veterans' affairs under Article I, Section 8, which grants it the power to "raise and support Armies" and "provide and maintain a Navy." This implies the power to care for those who have served.
The act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).