CRS Issue Statement on Veterans' Benefits (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Jan. 13, 2010 |
| Report Number |
IS40376 |
| Authors |
Sidath Viranga Panangala, Coordinator, Specialist in Veterans Policy |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) are the largestsustained ground combat missions undertaken by the United States since the VietnamWar. Over 1.7 million servicemembers have been deployed to these two theaters ofoperation. Since FY2002, more than 1.0 million OEF and OIF veterans have left active dutymaking them potentially eligible for benefits and services provided by the Department ofVeterans Affairs (VA). The Obama Administration has begun the process of drawing down forcesfrom Iraq and surging the number of combat forces in Afghanistan. These factors will have acontinued impact on VA health care, disability, education, vocational rehabilitation, employmentand housing benefits. The 2nd Session of the 111th Congress will continue to focus on thetreatment and compensation of this latest generation of veterans as well as aging veterans fromprevious conflicts.
