Sen. Cruz Introduces the VA AID Act to Streamline VA Pension Claim Process for Low-Income, Senior Veterans

Press Release

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today introduced the VA AID Act to streamline U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims processing and ensure the appropriate benefits are sent to eligible low-income, senior veterans in a timely manner. This legislation will authorize the VA to execute a three-year pilot program contracting a third-party entity to improve the efficiency of the VA application and adjudication process for wartime pension claims, reducing pension claim application processing time, backlog, and appeals for veterans.

Upon introduction of this bill, Sen. Cruz said:

"It is our duty to ensure that our nation's heroes receive the care and benefits they were promised in a timely manner. Under the current system, veterans applying for benefits are rejected at a rate of 80% due to the VA's shortcomings and backlog. We, as a country, have got to do better. Far too many veterans die before receiving "aid and attendance' benefits. I am proud to introduce the VA AID Act to make sure we have a system that is working for our nation's veterans."

Read the full text of Sen. Cruz's bill here.

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