Sen. Moran and VA Backlog Working Group Tackle Veterans' Claims Backlog

Press Release

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and the VA Backlog Working Group, today joined Working Group chairs Sens. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) in introducing the 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act -- comprehensive legislation designed to create a system that can withstand surges in disability claims without generating another veteran disability claims backlog.

The senators also released the VA Backlog Working Group 2015 Report in which the Working Group identifies the progress that has been made on the claims backlog since 2014, which Working Group recommendations have been implemented by the VA and Congress, and what actions must still be taken to fully transition the VA to a 21st century benefits delivery system.

"I continue to hear troubling stories from Kansans and Veteran Service Organizations about the VA claims process," Sen. Moran said. "We know our veterans deserve better; they deserve the best our nation has to offer. The VA Claims Backlog Working Group is a thoughtful effort to take clear and decisive action to fix the dysfunction in the VA claims system. The common-sense solutions we offer in the 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act are overwhelmingly supported by Veteran Service Organizations, who know this issue inside and out. The Senate now has a set of concrete solutions that deserves a vote and that the VA should adopt to make real and meaningful change."

The 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act includes proposals to reform three areas: the benefits claims submission process; the practices of regional offices; and government response to backlogs.

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