Thank you Mr. Chairman for yielding.

I look forward to hearing our witnesses’ testimony on how we might address the challenges and opportunities facing VA’s Compensation and Pension Service. 

In fiscal year 2007, Compensation and Pension Service, commonly referred to as C&P, performed more than 838 thousand rating decisions.

C&P also performed nearly 582 thousand claims actions that did require rating decisions.

Yet, despite the tremendous volume of work accomplished, C&P finds itself behind in its struggle to overcome the steady accumulation of claims awaiting action.

An array of reasons contributes to this frustrating trend, and our witnesses outlined a number of them in their written statements.

Foremost among them will be that VA place more emphasis on accuracy and less on alacrity, rating decisions must be done right the first time.

I wholeheartedly agree…

But as much as we may ponder and discuss solutions to the multitude of underlying problems, I think we all recognize that the time has arrived for a reasonable, yet fundamentally different approach to the problem.

If we continue to merely tread water, we are going to sink.

As my Subcommittee colleagues are aware, I have long been an advocate for major reform with regard to the use of information technology.

I am heartened to know that they concur with my perspective that it is well past time for VA to embrace IT as a remedy to an outdated paper based system.

VA should be on the forefront of technology in the disability benefits arena, and I believe it can be.

Not too long ago, VA’s health care system was so poor it was the subject of derision in movies such as “Born on the 4th of July.”

Now, VA health care is the subject of emulation among a number of high-quality medical models.

I believe VA can make a similar ascension on the benefits side of the Department. 

We must be open to considering new ideas, especially in the area of IT, and not be bound by narrow paradigms.

I invite the members of the Subcommittee, the veterans groups, and others to offer suggestions that will improve the process for our future veterans. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I yield back.