MO veterans receive $1B in 2010

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs paid more than $1 billion in compensation and pension payments to Missouri veterans, surviving spouses and dependents during fiscal 2010, an increase of $115 million from the previous year, according to recent data released by the VA.

For the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, VA spent more than $2.28 billion in Missouri, including $121 million on veterans' education and employment and $977 million on medical care, according to a news release.

Compensation and pension amounts paid to Greene County veterans, survivors and dependents totaled $43.7 million.

“Not only do these funds help improve the quality of life of the veteran or family member, they help support the local economy as well,” Larry Kay, executive director of the Missouri Veterans Commission, said in the release

Veterans payments are given in connection with service-related disabilities and nonservice connected disabilities; dependency and indemnity for the survivors of those who die in combat; and burial and other benefits to veterans and their survivors.[[In-content Ad]]