Tillis’ bipartisan COVID-19 veterans family survivors benefits bill passes Senate

The U.S. Senate on July 21 unanimously approved bipartisan legislation co-authored by U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) that would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to obtain a medical opinion that determines whether a service-connected disability was the principal or contributory cause of death for a veteran who died from COVID-19 before notifying a claimant for survivor benefits. 

Currently, veterans who pass away from coronavirus may have their cause of death identified as COVID-19 without accounting for service-related disabilities that further complicate their coronavirus diagnosis, according to the senator’s office. 

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we tragically lost thousands of veterans who had service-related disabilities,” Sen. Tillis said. “I am proud this bipartisan legislation that will ensure the families of those veterans receive the rightful benefits they deserve unanimously passed the Senate.”

The Ensuring Survivor Benefits During COVID-19 Act of 2021, S. 89, which Sen. Tillis cosponsored in January with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), also would require the VA to provide information to veterans, their dependents and veterans service organizations about applying for dependency and indemnity compensation when a veteran dies from COVID-19. Such information would be made available through the VA’s website and other outreach mechanisms, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“Arizona veterans and their families make incredible sacrifices to keep our country, state and communities safe,” said Sen. Sinema. “Our bipartisan bill ensures their families receive the care, benefits and resources they’ve earned.”

S. 89 on Monday was received in the U.S. House of Representatives, where the identical bill, H.R. 746, is under consideration in the U.S. House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.