Yoho Introduces WINGMAN for the 116th Congress

Statement

Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL) introduced his pro-veteran bill WINGMAN, with the support of over 60 original cosponsors. WINGMAN streamlines the benefits claims process between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the constituent advocates processing those claims on behalf of veterans and their families.

WINGMAN will grant certified congressional staff access to files - they already have permission to possess - but eliminates the burdensome step of having to use the VA as a middle-man to receive them. Under WINGMAN, constituent advocates would be able to access the status of a pending claim, medical records, comp and pen records, rating decisions, statement of the case, supplementary statement of the case, notice of disagreement, and Form-9 files within a reasonable amount of time, without having to go through a middle-man.

Congressman Yoho released the following statement:

"The interaction between congressional offices and the VA, on behalf of our nation's veterans, should be seamless. Our veterans have answered the call to protect us and the freedoms we enjoy every day. It is only right that we do all we can to support and care for them in a timely manner.

"It is unacceptable that extended periods of time pass by before congressional offices are able to receive the files they've requested from the VA to help veterans. No service member should have to wait to receive- at the very least- information about the benefits they have more than earned. Our veterans and their families who have served in the defense of our country deserve a timely turnaround when filing their benefits claims.

"I am hopeful that Members of the 116th Congress will prioritize reforming the veteran claims process and pass this commonsense bill, which has enjoyed strong bipartisan support in the past. I want to thank all of my colleagues for their support and for helping to enact changes that are so desperately needed to help our veterans and their families."

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