Veterans benefits include a wide range of benefits for eligible service people and their families.  We often encounter them in longterm care planning where Veterans benefits can provide income to offset medical need as you age.  Veterans benefits aren’t always available, but can be great additional help to those who qualify.

A recent new plan to be voted on by a House Appropriations subcommittee asks for $113.1 billion in discretionary spending for VA programs in fiscal 2022.  That’s an increase of about 8% from current levels and about $176 million more than what President Biden asked for in his budget proposal released in May and could provide a huge boost to Veterans benefits.

Military Times’ recent article entitled “House lawmakers back big budget boost for Veterans Affairs programs” says that if it were approved, the proposal would result in total department spending of more than $270 billion in 2022.

“This bill demonstrates a strong commitment to our servicemembers, their families and our veterans,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., in a statement accompanying the budget proposal release.

“It’s a blueprint to make our VA and military stronger and more responsive to all those who proudly protect America, now and in the past,” the Democratic Congresswoman said.

Total department spending is expected to be more than $250 billion in fiscal 2022.  This draft budget also includes $10.9 billion for military construction projects next fiscal year—roughly $3 billion above current year levels and $1 billion more than the president’s request.

House appropriators approved the plan and Senator appropriators approved a version with about $200 million less in budget.  They are expected to vote to pass the plan to the full chamber soon. However, it will likely still be months before a final budget agreement is reached on VA and military construction spending with the U.S. Senate.

The earliest plans called for $97.6 billion for veteran medical care spending, of which $778.5 million would go towards gender-specific care for women veterans ($73 million more than what the White House requested), $902 million for medical and prosthetic research ($20 million more), and $84 million for “whole health” initiatives ($10 million more).

This new budget proposal would be a huge boon to veterans and their families and may lead to expanded benefit programs or service.

Reference: Military Times (June 24, 2021) “House lawmakers back big budget boost for Veterans Affairs programs”