Press Releases

Today, Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas), the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, held a legislative hearing on a number of bills, including the following key proposals which are led by House Republicans to improve, simplify, and modernize the disability compensation benefits claims and appeals process at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans and their families:

H.R. 2137: Review Every Veterans Claim Act – Disability Assistance & Memorial Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Morgan Luttrell (TX-08)

“Our veterans have put everything on the line for our country, and it’s our duty to ensure they receive the benefits they’ve earned without unnecessary bureaucratic roadblocks. The Veterans Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act will help keep veterans and their families financially secure by ensuring their benefits keep pace with inflation, just like Social Security. At the same time, too many veterans have had their claims denied simply because they couldn’t make a VA appointment. The Review Every Veteran's Claim Act fixes this by requiring the VA to consider the full scope of evidence before making a decision, so no veteran is left behind due to red tape,” said Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Chairman Morgan Luttrell. “Both of these bills are about accountability and supporting those who fought for us. I’ll keep working to make sure every veteran gets the benefits they deserve.”

H.R. 1228: Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act – Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06)

“Behind every man and woman in uniform are spouses, children, and families who face their own set of sacrifices during their loved one’s time in service,” said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. “If their loved one passes away while in the service, surviving family members of these heroes deserve to have their needs prioritized by the VA, especially when it comes to accessing the benefits they're entitled to and deserve. The United States owes our veterans and their families a tremendous debt of gratitude, and this legislation is a step closer to fulfilling this solemn responsibility.”

H.R. 1741: Veteran Appeals Transparency Act of 2025 – Rep. Keith Self (TX-03)

“The VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals has not only failed to set realistic expectations for how long the claims appeals process should take but has blatantly misled our veterans in the process,” said Rep. Keith Self. My bill, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act, will restore transparency by requiring the Board to publish weekly updates indicating where the claimant stands in line as they await a decision. Our veterans deserve clarity and efficiency, and my bill will help ensure that.”

H.R. 1039: Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act – Rep. Tom Barrett (MI-07)

“The men and women who served in our military deserve a claims process that’s simple, clear, and accessible, not confusing and stressful,” said Technology Modernization Subcommittee Chairman Tom Barrett. “As a veteran myself, I know firsthand the confusion and stress that comes with applying for benefits. That’s why I’m proud the first bill I am introducing in Congress will help us take the first step towards ensuring veterans receive the support they deserve. I am grateful for Chairman Bost and Congresswoman Budzinski’s support and look forward to our committee leading on this important effort.”

H.R. 2201: Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act – Rep. Young Kim (CA-40)

“Veterans filing MST claims already face unthinkable trauma. The VA’s process shouldn’t cause more pain,” said Rep. Young Kim. “The bipartisan Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act aims to provide much-needed updates to training for CDCEs conducting examinations and certainty for veterans filing MST claims that they are valued and will receive the care they deserve. I will always have the backs of our veterans who had ours against global threats.”

H.R. 1286: Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act – Rep. Rob Bresnahan (PA-08)

“Our military members dedicate their lives to serving our nation. The last thing they need when they come home are mountains of daunting paperwork,” said Rep. Rob Bresnahan. “Pennsylvania’s Eighth District is home to the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center and nearly 40,000 veterans. The Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act will ease the burden of paperwork felt by so many of our veterans and their loved ones. I came to Congress with the mindset that I am here to make life better for the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania. My first piece of legislation will do just that by taking care of those who fight every day for our freedom. I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for joining me to support our nation’s past and present soldiers and their families.”

H.R. 1344: Dennis and Lois Krisfalusy Act – Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14)

“Our veterans and their families dedicate their lives to our country. As a veteran myself, I understand the important role our loved ones play in the lives of our nation’s heroes,” said Rep. Guy Reschenthaler. “I am honored to introduce this commonsense legislation that cuts bureaucratic red tape for families like the Krisfalusys and ensures we provide the utmost support for those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.”

H.R. 647: Ensuring Veterans' Final Resting Place Act – Rep. Rudy Yakym (IN-02)

“We are forever indebted to our nation’s veterans, and we owe it to the loved ones of our deceased veterans to honor their memory,” said Rep. Rudy Yakym. “I am proud to introduce this commonsense legislation on behalf of families and friends of veterans who have gone before us so that more of our veterans can be remembered and honored in a VA National Cemetery as their final resting place.”

H.R. 530: ACES Act – Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11)

“As a former fighter pilot, I know first-hand the risks that airmen and women take every day when they step into the cockpit. After putting their lives on the line in the line of duty for their country, airmen and women deserve assurances that their health will be properly taken care of,” said Rep. August Pfluger. “The bipartisan ACES Act will ensure that the VA takes necessary steps to completely understand any links between aviation and cancer incidences to properly care for and treat our service members.”