H.R. 2138 — Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025

This section increases dollar amounts for (1) disability compensation to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 10% through total under 38 U.S.C. 1114, (2) additional compensation for dependents under 38 U.S.C. 1115(1), (3) clothing allowance under 38 U.S.C. 1162, (4) dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) to surviving spouses under 38 U.S.C. 1311(a)-(d), and (5) DIC to children under 38 U.S.C. 1313(a) and 1314, effective December 1, 2025, by the same percentage as the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) determined under 42 U.S.C. 415(i). The section further authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to administratively adjust disability compensation rates for certain persons under section 10 of Public Law 85-857 consistent with such increases.

This section directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to publish in the Federal Register the amounts specified in section 2(b), as increased under that section, no later than the date on which cost-of-living adjustment matters specified in section 215(i)(2)(D) of the Social Security Act are required to be published due to a determination under section 215(i) during FY2026. (Thus, publication aligns with the Social Security Administration's annual announcement of the cost-of-living adjustment for benefits, typically in October.)