Veterans who receive VA benefits will be getting a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase in 2016. The VA disability benefits 2016 COLA increase will be slight – do not expect a major increase.
If you have questions about your VA disability benefits 2016 COLA increase, please feel free to call our law firm. We offer free claim evaluations to anyone and we never charge for help with the application. To learn more, please fill out the contact form or call (866) 232-5777.
What is a COLA increase?
Every year inflation increases the costs of goods for consumers. Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) increases are designed to offset the decrease in purchasing power for VA benefits recipients. Therefore, as the cost of good increases, so should your government disability payments.
How much will the VA Disability Benefits 2016 COLA increase be?
According to The Times-Picayune, the 2016 VA disability benefits COLA increase will be set on the increase given to Social Security recipients. This increase is set to take effect December 1, 2015. You should expect an increase in your monthly check from the Veterans Administration by the end of December 2015.
The Military Times notes that the 2016 COLA increase amount has not been set. The 2016 COLA increase is expected to be finalized in October 2015. At this point, it doesn’t look like the increase will be substantial. USA Today sadly reports that “2016 seems destined to join 2010 and 2011 as the third year of no increases.”
Have your impairments worsened since you were last rated?
Just so you know, filing for a VA disability benefits rating increase is different than the VA disability benefits 2016 COLA increase. If your impairments have worsened since your last rating decision, you should file to increase your VA disability rating. Your rating increase is totally unrelated to the a VA disability benefits 2016 COLA increase.
Help With VA Disability Benefits
If you have questions about your VA disability benefits, you can always call Woods & Woods veterans disability lawyers. Since 1985, our law firm has successfully represented thousands of people. We offer free VA claim evaluations to anyone. For help, please fill out the online contact form or call toll-free (866) 232-5777.