Veterans

Improved Benefits

Senator Rockefeller has long sought to improve a wide-range of benefits for veterans and has succeeded on many fronts.

He successfully fought for expanded benefits and more flexibility under the Montgomery GI bill, the landmark legislation to help veterans pay for college. He pushed for and achieved more favorable mortgage rates for veterans by extending the home loan program to Reservists. He has secured enhanced burial benefits to help a veteran's family pay for funeral expenses, and he has fought to increase assistance to veterans who own small businesses. Rockefeller was also instrumental in getting telephones installed in VA hospital rooms so that veterans can remain connected to their loved ones as they recuperate.

Senator Rockefeller is also known for his efforts to establish hearing loss coverage as a presumptive injury for World War II veterans, allowing them to get free screening and hearing aids. And, Senator Rockefeller was successful in improving compensation to Gulf War veterans and to Vietnam veterans with Agent Orange-related conditions.