A measure passed by the House last year that would increase benefits to service members who are wounded in combat would increase discretionary costs by $25 million in 2008, and another $5.3 billion in the following five years, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). Direct spending would rise by $6 million between 2009 and 2018 as well according to the CBO, the agency that provides objective, non-partisan estimates of legislation to lawmakers. The projections are based on a June 1 enactment and necessary annual appropriations. Under the bill, the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments would consolidate their medical information systems. Other provisions would add travel benefits for persons who use VA medical centers and increase the number of physical evaluation board liaison officers.