Veterans: Are You Missing Out on Benefits Updates?

For veterans, understanding and accessing benefits can be a maze. Benefits updates can mean the difference between financial security and unnecessary hardship. But are veterans truly getting the information they need, when they need it? The answer, sadly, is often no.

Sergeant Major (Ret.) Thomas Baker, a Vietnam veteran living just outside of Columbus, Georgia, learned this the hard way. After 22 years of service and multiple combat deployments, Baker retired with a service-connected disability rating. He received monthly compensation, which helped him make ends meet. But over time, Thomas fell behind on his bills. He chalked it up to inflation and rising healthcare costs. What he didn’t realize was that he was missing out on significant benefits updates that could have substantially increased his monthly payments.

Thomas assumed his initial disability rating was set in stone. He wasn’t actively seeking information, relying instead on word-of-mouth from other veterans. One day, while at a local VFW post near Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), he overheard a conversation about the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for VA disability compensation. The veterans were discussing how the 2026 COLA had impacted their monthly payments. Thomas was floored. He hadn’t received any increase.

This isn’t an uncommon scenario. Many veterans, especially those who served decades ago, aren’t aware of the yearly adjustments to disability compensation. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) adjusts these rates annually to account for inflation, ensuring that veterans’ purchasing power isn’t eroded. According to the Social Security Administration, the COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). In 2026, the COLA for VA benefits was 2.8%, mirroring the Social Security increase.

So, what went wrong for Thomas? Why didn’t he receive the increase? He hadn’t updated his contact information with the VA in years. Crucially, he wasn’t subscribed to any official VA communication channels. As a result, he missed out on vital notifications about the COLA and other potential benefit enhancements. This highlights a critical point: proactive engagement is essential for veterans to maximize their benefits.

I’ve seen this issue repeatedly throughout my years working with veterans. I had a client last year who was eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits for years, but she never applied because she wasn’t aware of the program. The VA has a responsibility to inform veterans, yes, but the onus is also on the individual to stay informed.

The VA offers several ways for veterans to stay up-to-date on benefits updates. One of the simplest is to subscribe to email updates through the VA’s GovDelivery system. This allows veterans to receive notifications about changes to eligibility criteria, new programs, and COLA adjustments directly in their inbox. Another valuable resource is the VA website itself, which contains a wealth of information about various benefits and programs. However, navigating the website can be challenging, especially for older veterans who may not be tech-savvy.

Here’s what nobody tells you: even with the VA’s resources, the system isn’t perfect. Information can be buried deep within the website, and email notifications can sometimes get lost in the shuffle. That’s where local veteran service organizations (VSOs) come in. Organizations like the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provide invaluable assistance to veterans in navigating the complexities of the VA system. These organizations have trained professionals who can help veterans understand their eligibility, file claims, and appeal unfavorable decisions.

For Thomas, the turning point came when he visited the local American Legion post in Columbus. He spoke with a service officer who reviewed his case and explained the COLA adjustment. The officer also informed him about other potential benefits he might be eligible for, such as increased compensation for secondary conditions related to his service-connected disabilities. With the service officer’s assistance, Thomas filed an updated claim with the VA. After several months of waiting, he received a decision granting him an increased disability rating, retroactive to the date of his initial claim. This resulted in a significant increase in his monthly compensation, as well as a lump-sum payment for the backdated benefits.

The impact on Thomas’s life was profound. He was able to catch up on his bills, pay off some debt, and finally feel financially secure. He also became an advocate for other veterans, encouraging them to stay informed about benefits updates and to seek assistance from VSOs. He even volunteered at the American Legion post, helping other veterans navigate the VA system.

Staying informed isn’t just about the money, either. Access to healthcare is a major concern for veterans, and that’s another area where benefits updates can be critical. The VA constantly updates its healthcare offerings, adding new treatments, expanding eligibility criteria, and improving access to care. Missing these updates could mean missing out on life-saving medical interventions.

I worked with a Vietnam veteran who developed Parkinson’s disease later in life. He wasn’t aware that Parkinson’s is now a presumptive condition for veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Because he wasn’t aware of this change, he delayed seeking treatment and accessing the benefits he was entitled to. This delay had a significant impact on his quality of life. (And yes, I did help him file a successful claim once he contacted my firm.)

Let’s consider another, broader example. The Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS) has been actively promoting awareness of the PACT Act, which expands healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. The GDVS has partnered with local organizations and held town hall meetings throughout the state to educate veterans about the PACT Act and its provisions. However, despite these efforts, many veterans remain unaware of the PACT Act and its potential benefits. This highlights the need for ongoing outreach and education to ensure that all veterans have access to the information they need.

To illustrate the potential financial impact of benefits updates, consider this hypothetical case study. A veteran with a 50% disability rating in 2020 received $800 per month in compensation. Due to COLA adjustments and potential increases in their disability rating based on new medical evidence, their monthly compensation could have increased to over $1,000 by 2026. That’s an extra $2,400 per year – a substantial sum that could make a real difference in their financial well-being.

The VA also updates its policies and procedures related to disability claims processing. For example, in 2024, the VA implemented a new system for managing appeals, known as the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA). The AMA streamlined the appeals process and provided veterans with more options for appealing unfavorable decisions. However, many veterans are still unfamiliar with the AMA and its provisions. This lack of awareness can lead to confusion and delays in the appeals process.

What’s the solution? Veterans need to be proactive in seeking out information about benefits updates. They should subscribe to email updates from the VA, visit the VA website regularly, and connect with local VSOs. They should also consider seeking assistance from a qualified attorney or claims agent who specializes in veterans’ benefits. These professionals can provide expert guidance and representation throughout the claims process.

Thomas Baker’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying informed about benefits updates. It demonstrates that even small changes in benefits can have a significant impact on veterans’ lives. By taking a proactive approach to information gathering and seeking assistance from qualified professionals, veterans can ensure that they receive the benefits they deserve.

The lesson here is clear: don’t assume your benefits are set in stone. The VA system is complex and constantly evolving. Staying informed is the best way to ensure you’re receiving everything you’re entitled to.

Many veterans also find it helpful to debunk common VA benefits myths to ensure they are getting accurate information. Understanding the facts is the first step.

For those struggling with the claims process, remember that the VA benefits claims backlog can be daunting, so proactive steps are crucial. Knowing your rights is key.

Also, it’s important to consider how to master your finances after service to make the most of any benefits received.

Don’t let another year go by without knowing what you’re entitled to. Subscribe to VA updates today.