Murphy Celebrates Passage of Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefit Expansion Act

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., celebrates the passage of H.R. 6047, the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefit Expansion Act. This legislation increases Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Special Monthly Compensation by $10,000 per year. Additionally, DIC for family members of deceased veterans would increase by 1.5% over the next two years.

"I am proud to have supported the passage of the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefit Expansion Act to deliver much-needed relief to our veterans, and their families, who were wounded in the line of duty or paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. "It was my honor to meet with Sgt. Edmundson, USA (Ret.), a constituent and resident of New Bern, and support this legislation after his name to help veterans in need. The cost of war is great, and we must fulfill our promise to those who serve that we will take care of them upon their return. Thank you to Sgt. Edmundson, USA (Ret.), for your service and advocacy here at home."

Background

• VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a tax-free benefit for a surviving spouses, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness.
   
• Special monthly compensation is a higher rate of compensation for veterans with certain needs or disabilities, as well as their spouses, surviving spouses, and parents.
   
• In 2005, Sgt. Eric Edmundson, USA (Ret.), was serving in Iraq when his vehicle was struck by an IED, leaving him in need of around-the-clock at-home medical care.