AARP, veterans groups wage campaign against 'chained CPI'

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- As national politicians continue debating the federal budget and possible severe budget cuts, the AARP is criticizing the negative impact the proposed "chained Consumer Price Index" would have on compensation and pensions paid to West Virginia's veterans.

The "chained CPI" would change how cost-of-living adjustments are calculated for veterans' compensation and Social Security, cutting amounts veterans would receive every year. Over time, the cuts would have the biggest impacts on the oldest veterans and those with severe disabilities.