VA Benefits: Millions of Veterans Would See Increased Payments Under Bill
A bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. Senate would increase base monthly disability compensation paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs, potentially raising benefits for millions of veterans and surviving family members beginning in late 2026.
The proposal arrives as rising living costs renew pressure on Congress to go beyond routine cost‑of‑living adjustments for VA benefits.
If enacted, the bill would lift existing disability and survivor payment rates across all eligibility levels, affecting nearly every veteran currently receiving VA compensation.
The legislation, Senate Bill S. 4487, was introduced in the 119th Congress and is sponsored by Republican Senator Jerry Moran, with 15 co‑sponsors from both parties, according to the bill text and congressional summaries.
Could This Increase Your VA Payment?
If you already receive VA disability compensation or Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, you would not need to apply again under S. 4487. Any increase would apply automatically, raising your existing monthly payment regardless of disability rating.
What the Bill Would Do
According to the bill text and congressional summaries, the legislation would increase VA disability compensation rates for veterans with service‑connected disabilities.
It would also increase Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) paid to eligible surviving spouses and dependents and apply the increases automatically.
The bill, which was sponsored by Republican Senator Jerry Moran, does not create a new benefit category, but it raises existing monthly payment levels across disability ratings.
Newsweek reached out to Moran for comment via email.
What This Bill Would Not Do
- Does not change how disability ratings are assigned
- Does not create new eligibility categories
- Does not replace annual cost‑of‑living adjustments
How Many Veterans Would Be Affected
The bill could impact more than 5 million veterans.
This is because any across‑the‑board increase in compensation rates would apply to all veterans already receiving payments for service‑connected disabilities, as well as eligible survivors receiving DIC.
While Congress has not yet released a formal estimate of how many current recipients would be affected or the total cost of the proposal, the Department of Veterans Affairs reports that nearly 6 million veterans are currently receiving VA disability compensation.
"Its bipartisan support gives it a stronger path than most bills, but with so many proposals positioned to boost veteran services, it's not clear if this one will go through quickly," Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek.
What Counts as a Service‑Connected Disability
A service‑connected disability is a medical condition that the VA determines was caused by, aggravated by, or linked to military service.
Common categories include:
- Musculoskeletal injuries (back, knees, shoulders)
- Hearing loss and tinnitus
- Post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Respiratory illnesses and toxic exposure‑related conditions
- Chronic illnesses tied to burn pits, Agent Orange, or other service‑related exposures
Veterans must submit medical and service evidence, and the VA assigns a percentage rating based on severity and functional impact.
How Much Veterans Currently Receive
VA disability compensation varies based on a veteran's disability rating, which ranges from 0 to 100 percent in 10‑point increments. Ratings are determined by the VA based on medical evidence linking a condition to military service.
As of the current law, veterans rated 30 percent or higher receive larger payments and may qualify for additional compensation for dependents.
Meanwhile, veterans rated 100 percent disabled receive the highest monthly benefit, reflecting total occupational impairment
Surviving spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation are paid a fixed monthly rate, with potential additions for dependent children or special circumstances.
The new law would raise these baseline payment rates but does not specify the exact dollar increase.
The Larger Push for More VA Benefits
S. 4487 follows a series of recent legislative efforts aimed at expanding or increasing VA benefits, particularly for veterans with serious or catastrophic disabilities.
In the House, lawmakers have advanced proposals such as the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, which focus on veterans with severe service‑connected injuries and survivors of veterans killed in the line of duty.
"Increasing compensation for service-related disabilities, especially alongside changes like automatic enrollment, could help improve recruitment and retention if people begin to view the government as treating veterans more fairly," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. "For many service members, these benefits are not just financial; they are a reflection of how seriously the country takes the long-term cost of military service."
What Happens Next
- Introduced: S. 4487 filed in the Senate
- Now: Waiting for a Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing
- Next: Congressional Budget Office cost estimate
"Its chances will ultimately come down to sponsorship and political momentum," Thompson said.
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This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 5:22 PM.