Veterans one step closer to compensation Published July 27, 2006 By Senior Airman Cassandra Locke Staff Writer POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- A bill designed to help military veterans deal with the rising cost of living is in the hands of the U.S. Senate. The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment of 2006 was introduced in the House March 2 and passed with a 408-0 vote June 27. The next step is to get the Senate's approval before the bill can become law. The act increases rates for veterans' disability compensation and dependent compensation. It also increases dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children of veterans while raising the clothing allowance for certain disabled adult children. The rate increases are based on the cost-of-living adjustments established for social security benefits. If passed as is currently written, the rate adjustment would be effective December 1. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a variety of benefits for veterans, servicemembers and their families. Some of the things VA has to offer are compensation, pension, health care, vocational rehabilitation and employment, education and training, home loans, life insurance, dependents and survivors and burial. Those that are veterans, veteran dependents, a surviving spouse, child or parent of a deceased veteran, an active duty servicemember or a member of the Reserve or National Guard may be eligible for VA benefits. Those Airmen transitioning from active duty status may be compensated if at least 10 percent disabled as a result of military service. Those Airmen will need to undergo a physical exam prior to separating to determine the percentage of disability. For more information on veteran benefits, visit www.va.gov or call (800)-827-1000.