The Nation : Senate OKs Veterans Rights, Aid Bills

The Senate sent to President Reagan a pair of bills providing new rights and benefits for veterans. The bills grant veterans the right to have courts review denial of benefit decisions, and provide a series of cost-of-living increases in a variety of VA payments. The Senate’s action came on voice votes. The House cleared the bills Wednesday. A third veterans bill sent to Reagan this week would elevate the Veterans Administration to Cabinet status. The Department of Veterans Affairs would be the 14th seat in the Cabinet. The bill also authorizes $6 million to restore the monument at Corregidor in the Philippines, honoring the men and women who fought Japanese invaders at that World War II fortress.