Mike Michaud: “H.R. 4175, the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Act of 2004, will help our service-disabled veterans and their…”

“H.R. 4175, the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Act of 2004, will help our service-disabled veterans and their survivors maintain the value of their compensation benefits despite any increase in the cost of living. Although we will not know the amount of the increase until the consumer price index is computed this fall, I expect this bill will provide an increase in benefits for calendar year 2005. No amount of money can adequately compensate for the loss of life or limb, but it is important that the compensation that is paid does not lose its value as the cost of living rises. This is particularly important in a rural State like Maine. Some labor market areas in my State have experienced double-digit unemployment. In one labor market alone last year, unemployment was as high as 32 percent. Veterans benefits help veterans and their families in these areas make ends meet. I am also happy to note that the bill contains a provision adding osteoarthritis to the list of conditions that are presumptively service-connected for veterans who are former POWs.”