“These men and women have made tremendous sacrifices for our country,” said Rep. Jones. “I am pleased that Congress fully understands that we owe it to them to make sure they and their dependants are adequately cared for. These bills will provide additional assistance to our veterans in Eastern North Carolina and ensure that disabled veterans receive the same cost of living increase that Social Security recipients receive.  They deserve nothing less.” 

The COLA (H.R. 4850), which will become effective December 1, 2000, would increase the rates of disability compensation paid to veterans with service-connected disabilities and enhance programs that provide compensation and life insurance benefits for veterans. The increase is expected to be between three and four percent would match the COLA granted to Social Security recipients. 

In addition, the House also passed the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (H.R. 4864), which would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to assist claimants in obtaining the evidence necessary to establish entitlement to a benefit.  For service-connected disability compensation claims, the bill requires the Secretary to obtain relevant records that the claimant identifies, including existing service medical records, Department treatment records, and relevant records from other federal agencies.  The Secretary must also provide a medical examination if a veteran is found to have a current disability or symptom and there is evidence to indicate that it may be related to an event, injury, or disease that took place in the service.

Both the Veterans Benefit Act and the Veteran’s Claims Assistance Act of 2000 will be sent to the White House, where the President is expected to sign them into law.