Good afternoon, thank you Chairman Hall.

It is an honor to participate in this momentous occasion.

The Veterans Disability Benefits Claims Modernization Act of 2008 still has far to go, but for the first time in a long while, I believe there is proper alignment of thought and a cooperative effort to make substantial improvements to the veterans’ benefits claims process.

This bipartisan bill is comprised of a number of measures that have as their foundation, the collective recommendations of Democrats, Republicans, veterans’ service organizations, and two blue-ribbon commissions on veterans’ benefits.

That is not to say this bill is flawless or that there are not remaining snags to be worked out.

Indeed, there are a couple of issues that cause me difficulty, and one that I believe is critically flawed.

I will elaborate more on those concerns in a bit, but I want to preface those remarks with the fact that I wholeheartedly agree with the intent behind even the faulty provisions; still, I am deeply concerned about unintended consequences they may hold.

Principally, I am troubled over the provision that would have VA concede presumption of a stressor for every person who served in theater of operation that was subject to combat. 

This could have enormous ramifications for the VA claims system and could potentially increase the backlog.

At the same time, I am empathetic to what the provision attempts to accomplish.

I believe an agreed upon solution can be reached, and I believe the expertise needed to arrive at such a fix is gathered here today.

My other concerns are less troubling, but I remain concerned about what might occur if we codify certain regulations and leave less discretion for VA.

I very much look forward to the testimony of our witnesses, especially VA’s.

I hope that, based upon recommendations made here, resolutions can be reached and this bill will acquire the momentum it needs to make the potential historic impact it holds.

Chairman Hall, I appreciate the favorable rapport we share on this subcommittee.

And I eagerly anticipate working with you during the fleeting time left in this session to put some points on the board for veterans.

Thank you, I yield back.