Letter to Allison Hickey, Under Secretary for Benefits of Veterans Affairs and Edward Russell, Director of Reno VA Regional Office - Seek To Reduce Nevada's VA Claim Backlog

Letter

Today, U.S. Senators Harry Reid (D-NV) and Dean Heller (R-NV) joined Representatives Joe Heck (NV-03), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Steven Horsford (NV-04) in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Under Secretary for Benefits Allison Hickey and Reno VA Regional Office (VARO) Director Edward Russell, offering help in addressing Nevada's backlog of VA claims.

"While I am pleased that Congress has provided increased benefits and disability compensation for our nation's veterans, it is a shame that they have to endure extensive waiting times to receive the services they require," said Senator Reid. "I am aware of the serious backlog in claims at the Reno VARO and I remain committed to working with the VA to get these issues sorted out so that our veterans can get the benefits and services they have earned and deserve."

"Unfortunately, the State of Nevada is home to more than 10,000 heroes stuck waiting for answers regarding their benefits claims. These selfless patriots know all too well the price that is paid for freedom, and the last thing they should be worried about is waiting for the benefits they earned in service to our nation. Addressing the claims backlog must be a top priority, and I am committed to doing what it takes to help the VA and the Reno VARO eliminate this problem," said Senator Dean Heller.

"The VA was unprepared for the volume of claims resulting from more Vietnam Vets receiving coverage for Agent Orange exposure and from the complexity of the claims arising from the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan," Rep. Heck said. "However, after four years of commitments to decrease claim processing times, too many veterans are still waiting far too long for the benefits and services they earned. This situation must be resolved and it must be resolved now."

"Our veterans have to wait far too long to receive the benefits they earned through their service to our country," Congresswoman Titus said. "We have an obligation to resolve this issue and improve the claims processing at the Reno VA Regional Office (VARO) as soon as possible. As the Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, I have made this issue a top priority. I look forward to working with the delegation to continue to address the needs of our veterans."

"Our veterans put their lives on the line and risk everything to protect our country. We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid, but the least we can do is provide them the care they desperately need and deserve. Reducing the VA claims backlog is critical to ensuring Nevada veterans receive their due benefits and compensation, and I join my colleagues in the Nevada delegation in calling on Under Secretary Hickey and Director Russell to work with us to make the Reno VA Regional Office more responsive," said Congressman Steven Horsford.

Full letter is available in PDF format below:
http://www.reid.senate.gov/newsroom/upload/Letter_to_HickeyRussell_Reno_VARO.pdf