Collins Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation Reinstating Vets Representation in Disability Claims Process

Press Release

U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) joined Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and John Boozman (R-AR) in introducing bipartisan legislation to reinstate a critical rule allowing veterans and their representatives 48 hours to review and dispute disability claims verdicts before they are finalized.

In April 2020, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) eliminated the critical 48-hour review period--a decades-old practice allowing veterans and their representatives time to review benefits determinations prior to VA's final decision. Reinstating this necessary tool will result in greater efficiency, mitigate potential errors and reduce the need for appeals. The Veterans Claim Transparency Act would resume the review period to ensure accredited Veteran Service Organizations, attorneys, and claims agents have the ability to review and course correct benefits determination prior to VA's final decision.

"Supporting our veterans and those who serve today is among our greatest obligations," said Senator Collins. "To help ensure that veterans receive the benefits they deserve, this bipartisan legislation would require VA to resume its practice of allowing veterans service organizations to review disability rating decisions on behalf of their members. I have heard from veterans throughout Maine about how this additional check increases the accuracy and efficiency of benefit determinations. I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill."

The legislation is supported by several Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) including the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and American Veterans (AMVETS).

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