On behalf of the 14th Congressional District, I thank our veterans in Georgia and across America. In serving our country, veterans and their families entered a life full of challenge and sacrifice. They ensured that the torch of freedom would be passed from each generation to the next. They are our heroes. While our country is sincere in its gratitude, it’s important to acknowledge that our words must be backed up with action on fixing the veterans benefits system. This week, the Veterans Affairs Department cited progress on the infamous claims backlog, but I still believe our veterans deserve better. Hearing all the talk of ‘tech surges’ these days, I’m dismayed that the digital cavalry hasn’t been called in to aid and improve VA claims processing. With the major increases in VA spending since 2009, we know the problem isn’t a budget issue—it’s a bureaucracy issue. Our government needs to set the bar sky high and think bigger. Enlist the brightest minds and best systems, then throw the current claims processing goal of four months out the window and aim for 30 days, or even four days. Our servicemembers set the standard for honor and excellence, and they should be met upon retirement by a nation eager to respond in kind. Here are some efforts to solve VA wait time issues that we are working on: I am a cosponsor of the Veterans Timely Access To Health Care Act (H.R. 241), which would ensure that veterans seeking primary or specialty care with a VA medical center receive an appointment no later than 30 days from their initial request. The House Veterans Affairs Committee held a hearing on the bill this year and it is awaiting further action. On October 28, 2013, the House passed H.R. 2189, a bill to establish a VA task force to analyze the disability claims backlog and related regulations and laws that may contribute to the problem. The task force will submit recommendations for solving the backlog. This bill is waiting for action in the Senate.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 14:00:32 +0000
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