that overall living costs have gone up by about 12 percent, and that food prices are up a record-breaking 20-25 percent. Indications are that we can expect still further substantial increases in retail prices in the months ahead. Because of the evident strain on the Nation's economy-sharpened by the energy shortage-we realize that the committee, of necessity, must take a searching look at priorities. However, it is imperative, in our view, that the integrity of the compensation dollar must be mantained if the Nation is to keep faith with those who served so well at a time of crucial need and who bear the burden of service-incurred disablement. Mr. Chairman, the third feature of H.R. 11469, which I mentioned earlier, calls for a long-delayed increase in the special monthly compensation payable for the loss of limbs and body organs. These awards were last increased on July 1, 1952, a period of almost 22 years. The DAV, in this time frame, has on numerous occasions sponsored legislation to increase the present $47 monthly payment. As we have pointed out in prevous hearings, Mr. Chairman, the Congress, in creating these special awards, recognized that there was no way to adequately compensate the veteran for his physical loss and the irreparable psychological damage suffered in the service of his country. Accordingly, the Congress, characteristically, sought to repay this disabled veteran for the pain and suffering, the loss of physical and mental integrity which are inherent in disabilities of this nature. It is our hope that the committee, upon reviewing the above facts and circumstances, will take a favorable view of our request for what we feel is a very modest increase in these special monthly awards; and we also confidently look at the committee for early approval of at least a 15 percent increase in compensation rates and dependency allowances as proposed in H.R. 11469. DEPENDENCY AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION Mr. Chairman, the DAV strongly supports the enactment of legislation to increase the present rates of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation payable to the widows and children of deceased veterans whose deaths resulted directly from service-connected causes. In this regard, the bill H.R. 12300 which was recently introduced at our request, would fulfill this legislative objective. It provides a 15percent increase in DIC payments, and it removes one of the last remaining discriminations in service-connected death benefits by equalizing wartime and peacetime rates under the old death compensation program. Our reasons for urging the adoption of the DIC increase are essentially the same as those expressed earlier with respect to the need for increases in the rates of service-connected disability compensation. One other DIC bill before the committee which has a prominent place in our current program is H.R. 3017. A long-time DAV objective, the measure would provide for the payment of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation to survivors of deceased veterans who were rated 100 percent disabled by reason of service-connected disabilities for 20 or more years. In assessing the merits of this proposal, Mr. Chairman, we think it reasonable to say that a veteran who has suffered the distress and debilitating effects of a service-related total disability for 20 years, should thereafter have statutory assurance that upon his death his widow will be provided for by payment of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. This certainly would give the veteran much peace of mind in the knowledge that his wife-who ministered to him for many years and often at great personal sacrifice-will have a more favored and dignified place in our society. In an overwhelming majority of these cases a totally disabled veteran is unable to follow a gainful occupation. He very definitely had no opportunity to make adequate provision for his survivors. We think the Government has a responsibility in this instance, which has so far been overlooked. I might add, Mr. Chairman, that the VA reports that "the estimated costs of the bill, if enacted, are not significant." We respectfully urge that the committee give sympathetic consideration to H.R. 3017. VA ACCOUNTABILITY ACT Mr. Chairman, we feel it is a matter of urgent concern that the committee give early consideration to the pending bill, H.R. 5498. This measure would require congressional approval before the VA Administrator could readjust the rating schedule; close medical facilities and regional offices; or transfer real property under VA jurisdiction. The veterans of this country are looking to this committee and the Congress for assurance as to what the future holds for them, what they can expect from the Veterans' Administration regarding the location of Regional Offices, hospitals, nursing homes and domiciliaries, and the availability of services in the future. We feel that H.R. 5498 would provide this assurance, and we urge its passage. EDUCATION AND TRAINING We are grateful, Mr. Chairman, that your committee has acted so promptly this session to improve education and training benefits available to America's veterans. We share your opinion of the pressing need for substantial increases in the eductional and vocational rehabilitation payments for Vietnam veterans to bring them more in line with the benefits provided for veterans of earlier wars, and we vigorously support your efforts in this regard. We also commend the chairman and members of the committee for approving some of the other important provisions of your education bill, such as lowering to ten percent the disability requirements for Vietnam veterans to receive vocational rehabilitation. HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CARE The Disabled American Veterans-by its very nature-has a deep and consuming interest in the VA hospital and medical care program. We are also very much aware of the fact that the members of this committee have always shared with us a very special concern in the health and well-being of America's ill and disabled war veterans. We are certain that the members of this committee will never stand by and allow the program to decline in quality, that you will continue your efforts to see that sufficient funds are available to enable the VA hospital system to effectively fulfill its mission. I think it important at this juncture to bring to the committee's notice a survey by the DAV last year in which we received responses from several hundred veterans who had or were having difficulty gaining admission to various VA hospitals across the country. Information adduced indicated that in any given month, there were between 900 and 1,000 veterans-who were already determined to be in need of hospital care-on the waiting lists for admission to VA facilities. This situation was allowed to occur in the face of specific language in the Veterans Health Care Expansion Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-82) which directed the Administrator "to staff and maintain sufficient beds and other facilities to insure immediate care of patients found to be in need of care and medical services." Similarly, the House Appropriations Committee, in its report on the 1974 Appropriations Act, expressed the will of the Congress by admonishing the administration to drop the arbitrary restrictions it had imposed, which had limited available hospital facilities for the care of veterans. Further, the committee stated that it expects the VA: To accept for treatment eligible veterans in need of care, as required by law, and stands ready to favorably entertain consideration of future justified proposals submitted by the Administration to supplement medical care funding in the bill. Despite these congressional declarations, many of the veterans were never admitted to VA hospitals. They were forced to either seek private hospital care at their own expense, or forego hospitalization altogether. In a few instances, death resulted. At VA hospitals serving our metropolitan areas, veterans have waited as long as 8 hours before even seeing a physician. We found that veterans waited 3 and 4 hours just to have a prescription filled from the hospital pharmacy. We know that the committee is aware of the fact that a lack of funds or impoundment of funds has caused cancellation of needed medical projects and the rearrangement of priorities. Arbitrarily imposed personnel ceilings and promotional freezes have had demoralizing, disruptive effects on personnel. Moreover, because of a lack of space and facilities, one finds hospitals turning to increased patient turnover rates, and expanded use of outpatient clinics as the panacea to solve the growing inpatient needs of veterans. Mr. Chairman, these are some of the more somber facets of the VA hospital program. However, despite the gloom and doom, we are much encouraged to find that the VA medical budget request for 1975 calls for an increase of 8,572 employees for the Department of Medicine and Surgery; for an increase in the number of beneficiaries to be cared for, both on an inpatient and an outpatient basis; for an increased outlay in medical and prosthetic research; for VA nursing care units; and for construction and renovation of VA medical facilities. We trust that this committee will do its best to see that the money appropriated for health care benefits will be fully spent, that the recent reorganization of the Department of Medicine and Surgery will be fully evaluated, and that the VA hospital system is preserved and maintained for the care and treatment of our veterans and their dependents. NATIONAL CEMETERY PROGRAM Mr. Chairman, I want to express to this committee our grateful appreciation for your persistent efforts in bringing to enactment Public Law 93-43, the National Cemeteries Act of 1973. Over the years the DAV has strongly supported legislation to transfer the national cemeteries to the Veterans' Administration, in the hope it would expand the capacity of the system to permit the burial of all eligible veterans. We were, therefore, concerned over the recent Veterans' Administration report which recommended only one national cemetery in each of the 10 Federal regions and proposed a grant-in-aid program for the development of veterans cemeteries to be operated by the States. We do not believe that these proposals would fulfill the Federal Government's obligation to assure this Nation's veterans of an opportunity for burial in a national cemetery located reasonably close to their homes. We are also unalterably opposed to the recommendations in the VA report that would eliminate the so-called dual burial benefits, and the continuance of the present restrictive eligibility requirements for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. We respectfully request this committee's most thoughtful consideration of these controversial proposals when next it considers the national cemetery program, and we would welcome the opportunity to present our views in greater detail at that time. CONCLUSION In closing, Mr. Chairman, I again want to extend to you and the members of the committee, my profound appreciation for giving me the opportunity to appear before you. I also want to take this occasion to pay tribute to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee staff. We give them special thanks for their genuine interest in DAV objectives, and for their compassionate regard for those who suffered permanent disabilities as a result of military service. Mr. TEAGUE of Texas. Thank you, Commander. Mr. SOAVE. Mr. Chairman, I have attached to my statement an addendum providing additional information concerning our 1974 legislative objectives, and our organization's ongoing programs. With your permission, sir, I would like the addendum to be made part of the hearing record. Mr. TEAGUE of Texas. Without objection, it will be made part of the record. Mr. SOAVE. Thank you, sir. Thank you ladies and gentlemen. [The document referred to follows:] DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM, 1973-74 DAV LEGISLATIVE OBJECTIVES FOR THE 2D SESS. OF THE 93D CONGRESS BY SUBJECT MATTER AND BILL Mar. 6, 1973 Senator Pastore. 74. Increase the number of State nursing care beds con- 192 EDUCATION AND TRAINING 39 Financial consideration to employees of ch. 31 on-the-job Jan. 26, 1973 trainees: H.R. 2984. Representative Dorn. |