Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs announced a full committee oversight hearing entitled, “Is VA Ready for Full Implementation of Appeals Reform?” The full committee hearing will be held on December 12th at 10:00 am. More information, including the witness list, will be made available in the coming days. 

"The oversight of the implementation of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 is not something to be taken lightly, and that is why this is our third hearing this year on the matter,” said Chairman Roe. “This law was enacted because we had heard countless horror stories of veterans who had waited six or more years to receive a final decision on their claim. After passing this critical piece of legislation, the committee has stayed on top of the implementation process. Now, as we near the earliest possible date of full implementation, I look forward to hearing if VA is prepared to fully implement the law this February. I am grateful for Rep. Mike Bost, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs,’ as he has been a fearless leader on this issue and worked hard to ensure our veterans experience a smoother appeals process.”

“Too many veterans faced intolerable delays during VA’s benefits claims appeal process," said Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.). "That’s why I introduced bipartisan legislation that was signed into law to modernize the system and ensure our veterans get the help they need in a more efficient and effective manner. But our work isn’t done. We need to make certain that VA properly implements the law.  America’s heroes and their families deserve nothing less.”

The following event is open to the press:

The time below has been updated:

WHO: House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

WHAT: “Is VA Ready for Full Implementation of Appeals Reform?”

WHEN: 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 12, 2018 

WHERE: 334 Cannon House Office Building and streaming here. 

Background: During this hearing, the full committee will examine the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) readiness to fully implement the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017. Specifically, the committee will discuss whether the Secretary is prepared to certify in January 2019 that the Department is ready to carry out the new appeals system and timely address both new and legacy appeals. Alternatively, if the Department is not prepared to carry out the new appeals system, the hearing will discuss the timeline for the Department to confirm that it has the resources, personnel, office space, procedures, and information technology required to carry out the new appeals system.