benefits that are available to veterans, and she also passed out literature outlining the different bene- fits that were available. She also touched on the housing, medical, dental benefits that are available at the state and federal level to veterans. At the end of her session, Mr. Buckner took more questions from the audience and provided much - needed clarification on the PACT Act. Committee Chair Fogle presented the Deputy Secretary with a certificate of appreciation from Sovereign Grand Commander Slaughter. She then
presented him with a coin from the State of Louisiana Secretary of Veterans Affairs. As the morning moved on, Brothers continued to swap old war stories and reconnect over breakfast. The Chairman and his staff provided several VA updates about compensation and legislation.
Some of the updates provided are as follows:
2024 VA Compensation Increase 3.2% increase effective December 1, 2023 (January 1, 2024 check) Social security increase will be the same.
Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act Benefits Update Deadline to file an “ intent to file ” claim for PACT Act benefits was August 14, 2023 Applies to those wishing to have their benefits backdated a year to when bill was signed. Veterans can still sign up for PACT Act benefits, they just won ’ t get the back pay.
Latest Legislative Actions & Efforts H.R. 1530, as amended – Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023
The bill updates procedures related to the publishing of VA disability benefit questionnaire forms. Specifically, the VA does not have to publish certain forms if it determines the form could not reasonably be completed to a clinically acceptable standard by someone who is not an employee or contractor of the VA. The bill also requires the VA to report on its efforts to provide reimbursement for a veteran's travel to a facility, regardless of whether the facility is inside or outside of the United States, when such travel is incident to a medical disability ex-
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