Denham Amendment to Decrease Veterans Backlog Passes House

Press Release

The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed a bipartisan amendment co-sponsored by U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) today to increase funding for the Veterans Benefit Administration by $10 million. The funds are to be used to help tackle the disability claims backlog. The amendment was passed during debate of the appropriations bill for military construction and veterans affairs, H.R. 4486.

"Our veterans disability claims backlog is unacceptable," said Rep. Denham. "This amendment will help more of our vets receive the benefits and care they deserve in a timely fashion."

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki has set the goal of eliminating the backlog by 2015, and Congress has responded by providing billions in additional funding to improve technology, hire additional staff and reform the rating process for timelier decisions. This amendment builds on those efforts.

Reps. Jim Costa (D-CA), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) were also co-sponsors of the amendment.

Last May Rep. Denham introduced the Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act, which will end redundant Department of Veterans Affairs claims processing practices and allow veterans to receive their benefits more rapidly. He has also introduced the Efficient Service for Veterans Act, which would allow veterans quicker access to their DD-214s, enabling them to move their claims forward. As the only Central Valley member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Rep. Denham has participated in a series of hearings concerning disability claims processing to find solutions to clear the backlog.

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