| On
The Issues: Veterans - Claims Processing
I have long been concerned about the amount
of time that it takes for the Veterans Benefits Administration
(VBA) to process claims. During the 106th and 107th Congresses,
I supported legislation to decrease the amount of time that
it takes the VBA to process claims.
In 1999, there were 309,000 backlogged claims at the VBA.
Today, that number is much higher. It now takes an average
of around 200 days to process disability compensation and
pension claims. Many of the claims that are awaiting action
have been filed by World War II and Korean War veterans. With
our World War II veterans dying at the rate of about 1,500
a day, the VBA must take action to improve its dismal record.
I have traveled throughout Wisconsin and met with veterans
throughout the state. This problem is consistently one of
their top concerns. They are angry and frustrated - with justification
- about the amount of time it takes for the VBA to process
their claims. In some instances, veterans are waiting well
over a year. Telling the men and women who served their country
in the armed forces that they "just have to wait"
is wrong and unacceptable.
I am pleased that Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi
has acknowledged that improving claims processing is a priority
for the VA. I will continue to monitor the VA's work to improve
claims processing. It is important that Congress maintain
strict oversight with regard to this important issue.
Maintaining
Access to VA Facilities
Ensuring
Access to Health Care for all Veterans
Ensuring
Quality Health Care for our Veterans
Gulf
War Illness
Health
Risks for Troops
Agent
Orange and Diabetes
Claims
Processing
Family Medical
Leave Act
Concurrent
Receipt
Celebrating
America's Veterans
Resources
for Military Families
Improving Transition
Services for Military Personnel
Veterans
Outreach
Working
for Wisconsin's Fair Share in Federal Benefits
Useful
Links to Other Web Sites
Veterans
Main
|
