CRS Issue Statement on Veterans’ Benefits

Sidath Viranga Panangala, Coordinator
Specialist in Veterans Policy


Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) are the largest sustained ground combat missions undertaken by the United States since the Vietnam War. Over 1.7 million servicemembers have been deployed to these two theaters of operation. Since FY2002, more than 1.0 million OEF and OIF veterans have left active duty making them potentially eligible for benefits and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Obama Administration has begun the process of drawing down forces from Iraq and surging the number of combat forces in Afghanistan. These factors will have a continued impact on VA health care, disability, education, vocational rehabilitation, employment and housing benefits. The 2nd Session of the 111th Congress will continue to focus on the treatment and compensation of this latest generation of veterans as well as aging veterans from previous conflicts.


Date of Report: January 13, 2010
Number of Pages: 5
Order Number: IS40376
Price: $7.95

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