The Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010 may not have added any significant new veterans benefits, but, it will increase some allowances and grants for disabled veterans and improve various veterans' insurance options. Here is a quick look at some of the improvements included in the new law:
- An increase in the Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grant from $11,000 to $18,900.
- The $300 burial payment will increase to $700.
- Supplemental Service-Disabled Life Insurance for totally disabled veterans will increase from $20,000 to $30,000.
- Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage for totally disabled veterans will be permanently extended to two years after they leave service.
- The maximum loan guarantee amount under the Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance program will increase from $90,000 to $150,000.
- Retroactive traumatic injury protection coverage under SGLI (called TSGLI) will be expanded to include veterans who incurred qualifying traumatic injuries on or after Oct. 7, 2001, but before December 1, 2005, regardless of where the injuries occurred.
- Veterans will be able to increase Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) coverage by $25,000 every five years until reaching age 60.
- The Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act (SCRA) changes will include servicemembers ability to terminate cellular telephone contracts, give service members a "private right of action" to file their own lawsuits against those who violate their legal rights.
- Improved Re-employment laws (USERRA).
Note: Most of these improvements will not go into effect until Oct. 1, 2011.
