The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is set to receive its largest budget ever for the upcoming fiscal year. An omnibus appropriations bill before Congress is set to be finalized by the end of the year and would provide VA with $303.8 billion. This allocation is up 10 percent from VA’s budget in 2022. Congressional leaders tout the appropriation as a responsible plan for supporting the nation’s veterans.
Specifically, VA medical care services will see the biggest increase in budget allocation receiving $118.7 billion, a 22 percent increase from 2022. Further, allocations for homelessness prevention ($2.7 billion, Up 25%), caregivers benefits ($1.9 billion, Up 35%), mental health treatment ($13.9 billion, Up 6%), and an additional $5 billion to further expand benefits under PACT.
Over the past 20 years the VA budget has grown exponentially. In 2001 the budget was only $45 billion with a budget of $139 billion in 2013. For reference, the discretionary spending program in this year’s VA budget is $135.2 billion on its own. Congress is hopeful that these funds will continue to assist VA so it can provide greater care and services to the veteran population.
If you have any questions about VA benefits, the qualified Veterans’ Disability attorneys at Gardberg and Kemmerly want to help in any way possible. Gardberg and Kemmerly is committed to helping injured and disabled Veterans obtain the benefits they deserve. If you need help with a disability claim, call our office at 251-343-1111 or 1-800-332-1529 for a free consultation. Gardberg and Kemmerly is proud to serve Veterans across the country from our home office in Mobile, Alabama. We would love an opportunity to discuss your claim.