08/08/2026
Thousands of veterans would be eligible for $833 in extra monthly disability benefit payments under a new House proposal.
“The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act will finally deliver a long-overdue increase in financial support for catastrophically injured veterans and the loved ones of those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said bill sponsor Tom Barrett, R-Mich., in a statement on May 21, after the House passed the bill that day in a 235-179 “These benefit expansions will help our veterans and military families who have given so much for our nation.”
The legislation is named for two advocates.
Briley’s husband, Army Chief Warrant Officer Donovan “Bull” Briley, was killed in action in Somalia in 1993. Eric Edmundson was severely wounded in the Iraq War and is permanently disabled and in need of lifelong care.
Barrett’s office said the legislation is to the advantage of more than 7,000 severely disabled veterans and more than half a million Gold Star families. It would add $10,000 annually — about $833 a month — to payments under the Special Monthly Compensation program for injured veterans who need regular aid in their homes under the supervision of a medical professional.
Also, the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits would be raised by 1.5% for surviving family members who lost a parent, spouse or child in military service. Barrett said it would be the first such increase since 1993.
“Living with significant disabilities is not just difficult, it’s costly, and there are a wide range of additional expenses that can significantly impact a person’s financial well-being,” Paralyzed Veterans of America wrote in a supporting statement.
“PVA supports this effort to increase the amounts of Special Monthly Compensation for veterans with service-connected catastrophic disabilities and raise Dependency and Indemnity Compensation for survivors.”
The bill, which the House Committee on Veterans Affairs describes as a landmark bill, is awaiting Senate action, and if enacted, would take effect on Dec. 1, 2026.
The bill is awaiting action by the U.S. Senate.
