5 things to know in veterans news: 2027 disability pay rate increase, new epilepsy treatment, a cookbook from a 90-year-old veteran

WASHINGTON — The annual VA disability compensation rate change for 2027 — which is based on a cost-of-living adjustment — is expected to be higher than the 2.8% increase in 2026 due to continued inflation.

The increase is expected to be 3.7% or 3.8% based on the latest cost-of-living adjustment estimate, according to the VA Disability Group, which represents veterans with their claims and benefits.

Federal law requires the VA to increase disability compensation by the exact same percentage that the Social Security Administration announces for its benefits.

The disability compensation rate increase for 2027 is expected to be announced in mid-October. The rate change takes effect annually on Dec. 1.

The higher benefit will be deposited in veterans’ accounts on Dec. 31, instead of Jan. 1, which is a federal holiday.

Ed T. Solomon, a Korean War veteran, is promoting his book “Cooking at 90: When You Hate the Kitchen,” available on Amazon. All proceeds will benefit charities, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its programs helping homeless veterans. (Ed T. Solomon)

90-year-old veteran’s cookbook is for people who don’t like to cook

Navy veteran Ed T. Solomon, who served as a radar technician in the Korean War, has published his third book — a cookbook filled with his own favorite recipes and tips for making easy dishes that taste good.

Titled “Cooking at 90: When You Hate the Kitchen,” the book was published in 2024 but is attracting attention for Solomon’s endeavor, in his 10th decade, to pen, publish and promote a book for people who do not like to cook. It is available on Amazon.

Solomon’s simple recipes, accompanied by photos, include peanut butter-and-mayo sandwiches and canned soup dressed with shredded cheese, croutons and crackers. Solomon adds a big helping of humor and some sage advice to the cooking instructions.

“I may not be able to do everything I once did, but I can still make a difference,” said Solomon, who is donating 100% of the royalties to charity, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars for its programs to help homeless veterans.

Everything to know about tinnitus and sleep apnea

Disabled American Veterans gave information this week to members about sleep apnea and tinnitus — disorders that would no longer be covered with disability compensation if a Republican-led bill passes.

The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act would increase benefits for the most severely disabled veterans. But it would cover the costs by ending future benefits for treated sleep apnea and tinnitus. DAV opposes the measure.

In a message to members, the DAV said that sleep apnea and tinnitus are “invisible disorders” that “impact a veteran’s quality of life, ability to work and overall health.”

Sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, which can lead to oxygen loss. Tinnitus is constant ringing or buzzing in the ears when no sound is present.

The DAV emphasized that veterans who believe they have these conditions, and that the conditions are connected to military service, may be eligible for disability payments.

Army veteran gets promising epilepsy treatment

An Army veteran has become the first patient at the Department of Veterans Affairs to receive a promising new treatment for epilepsy called Visualase, the agency said.

Robert Lindemann, who served for 33 years in the Army, underwent the minimally invasive ablation procedure, which sends laser energy through a fiber-optic catheter directly to damaged brain tissue. It is an alternative to open brain surgery.

Lindemann, who began having seizures about five years ago, was diagnosed with focal epilepsy. Medication did not control his seizures.

“The Visualase system treats focal epilepsy with very little trauma,” said Dr. Garrett Banks, who performed the procedure at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston.

Lindemann was discharged two days after the Visualase treatment and reported feeling great four days later, according to the VA, which provided no other update.

Up to 60% of patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy were free from disabling seizures, according to the National Institutes of Health. The findings are from a multiyear clinical study, started in 2017, that enrolled 167 subjects. The study continues to follow patient outcomes.

John F. Donovan, a disabled Navy veteran from Arkansas, waves to members upon his election as national commander of Disabled American Veterans. Donovan pledged to protect veterans benefits from budget cuts and taxes. (Disabled American Veterans)

New DAV commander pledges to protect veteran benefits

John F. Donovan, the new national commander of Disabled American Veterans, has pledged to visit local posts and listen to veterans, as well as to advocate before Congress to protect their earned benefits.

Donovan, a native of Arkansas, is a disabled veteran who served for 24 years in the Navy before retiring in 2004. He is a life member of DAV Chapter 10 in Conway, Ark.

He was unanimously elected national commander in August at the DAV convention in Orlando, Fla. Donovan emphasized the importance of dedication to the DAV and its mission, stating that “supporting veterans starts with you.”

His platform includes protecting benefits from budget cuts and taxes; ensuring veterans continue to get their full benefits; strengthening family support for injured and sick veterans; and investing in the VA health system.