VA Increases Payments to Medal of Honor Recipients

VA Increases Payments to Medal of Honor Recipients

(EXCERPT) Wednesday October 8, 1:01 pm ET

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Monthly federal payments to 136
living recipients of the Medal of Honor are rising 67 percent this
month.

Since at least World War I, the federal government's agency for
veterans - - now the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) -- has paid a
monthly stipend to holders of the military's highest decoration for
combat valor. Under the new rates, the payments will rise from $600
monthly to $1,000 monthly.

"This increase reflects in small part the thanks of President Bush and
a grateful nation for the uncommon valor and bravery of these
veterans," said VA Secretary Anthony J. Principi. "They are living
examples of sacrifice, love of country and dedication to duty."

The increase was authorized by the Veterans Benefits Act of 2002
(Public Law 107-330), which also set up a formula for future increases
in the Medal of Honor stipend based on the annual rate of inflation.

Previously, each increase in the Medal of Honor stipend required a
specific act of Congress. The rate went from $10 in 1916 to $100 in
1961, $200 in 1979, $400 in 1993 and $600 in 1998.

The new law also provides for a retroactive payment of stipends to
cover the period between the act of valor and the awarding of the
Medal of Honor. For those previously non-covered months or years, the
payment will be based on the rate in effect at the time of the act of
valor.

Adjustment checks covering the month of September and any retroactive
payments due will be released to Medal of Honor recipients this month.
The new rate will be reflected in regular monthly payments starting
Nov. 1.

VA supported legislation for the rate increase, inflation adjustments
and retroactive payments. The benefits will total approximately $6.1
million through fiscal year 2012.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs...

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Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com