In Halifax on Tuesday, Defence Minister Peter MacKay announced the new benefits would bring the Canadian Forces Long Term Disability program in line with Veterans Affairs' Earning Loss Benefits offered to injured veterans.

"We must always ensure they get the support they need every day," MacKay said.

That will mean ill and injured veterans will receive a minimum pre-tax income of $40,000.

"Ill and injured veterans and members of the Canadian Forces will now be able to focus on what matters most: and that is their recovery, their families, and their future," MacKay said.

The changes will also mean an increase in monthly benefits for those military members released for medical reasons or those who have taken a voluntary release but are deemed as disabled. The new minimum monthly benefit will climb to 75% of the basic salary rate of a corporal - currently $4,554 a month.

MacKay said the changes will benefit up to 2,000 forces personnel.

"All they do on our behalf must be recognized and our country must be prepared to give back," he told reporters. "They deserve nothing less."