History of Veterans Benefits
Evolution of Federal Programs for Service Members and Veterans
1776 — The Continental Congress grants States the authority to provide Revolutionary War veterans with half pay for life “in cases of loss of limb or other serious disability.” 1789 — The first Federal pension law gives Congress the responsibility to pay veterans benefits. By 1808, all veterans programs were administered by the Bureau of Pensions under the secretary of war. 1811 — The Federal Government authorizes the first domiciliary and medical facility for veterans. The Naval Home is established in Philadelphia in 1812, followed by two facilities in Washington, D.C. — the Soldiers’ Home in 1853 and St. Elizabeth’s…
