(January 06, 2009)—The Department of Veteran Affairs has revealed a multi-million dollar plan aimed at expanding benefits to about 265,000 previously excluded veterans known as Priority 8 veterans.

Priority 8 veterans were initially blocked from enrollment into the VA system in January 2003 if their income exceeded approximately $30,000 annually.

The $375 million provision was authored last year by Congressman Chet Edwards, who chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and passed into law late last September.

"This needed expansion of VA benefits to middle income veterans is just one example of how millions of veterans will benefit from the historic funding increases of the last two years," said Congressman Edwards.

The provision is funded by $16.3 billion increase in funding since 2006; a larger increase in the last two years than the previous 12 years, according to Congressman Edwards.

"Reopening the doors of the VA system to veterans who have earned these benefits sends a clear message that we honor and respect their service and sacrifice to country," said Edwards.

“Our veterans earned and deserved every dime."