Press Releases

Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Mich.), and Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.), released the following statements after they introduced their respective bills to streamline and modernize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) appeals for VA disability compensation benefits process for veterans, their families, caregivers, and their survivors.

H.R. 3835, Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act (Chairman Bost)

“In order to keep moving VA forward, we must ensure that the VA appeals process is meeting veterans and their family’s needs,” said Chairman Bost. “When I led the Appeals Modernization Act in 2017, I knew that our work was not finished. Which is why I, alongside my House and Senate Republican colleagues, am leading the Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act, and the Protecting Veterans Claim Options Act, to make commonsense improvements to streamline the VA appeals process. I’ve been through the VA disability benefits process myself, and I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to have to appeal VA’s decision. Which is why when veterans and their families do have to file an appeal, they have earned an efficient system that they can rely on – these bills build on our work to accomplish that goal.”

To learn more about H.R. 3835, click here. H.R. 3835 bill text can be found here. In addition to H.R. 3835, Chairman Bost also introduced H.R. 3834, The Protecting Veterans Claim Options Act. H.R. 3834 bill text can be found here.

“This bill cuts red tape and speeds up the appeals process so veterans get the benefits they’ve earned without unnecessary bureaucracy and delays,” said Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) on the Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act.

H.R. 3833, Veterans’ Caregiver Appeals Modernization Act (Rep. Tom Barrett – MI-07)

“No veteran who requires a caregiver should ever be forced into a facility when they have a loved one who is willing to support them in the comfort of their own home,” said Rep. Barrett. “Unfortunately, an outdated and broken system has taken away that option for too many veterans who have fallen through the cracks, placing an undue financial burden on their family in the process. This legislation is a simple fix that will ensure applications for caregivers’ financial assistance are considered fairly and streamlined in a way that properly serves our veterans.”

To learn more about H.R. 3833, click here. Bill text can be found here.

H.R. 3854, Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act (Rep. David Valadao – CA-22)

“Our veterans have made great sacrifices fighting for our freedom, and when they return home, they shouldn’t be waiting months to receive their benefits because of outdated technology at the VA,” said Rep. Valadao. “I’m proud to reintroduce this bill which will expand the use of automation tools for processing VA claims to ensure veterans get the benefits they deserve in a more timely and efficient matter.”

To learn more about H.R. 3854, click here. Bill text can be found here.