April 09, 2013

Rep. Michaud Reacts to New VA Claims Backlog Initiative

Washington, D.C.  – Today, Representative Mike Michaud (ME-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, issued the following statement on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announcement that it will expedite claims for veterans who have waited a year or longer for compensation decisions:

“The announcement today by Secretary Shinseki and Undersecretary Hickey shows that the VA is serious about reducing the backlog and is willing to put forward new ideas to get it done. I remain firm in my support of the VA, and these leaders. We have a way to go on solving the backlog, but I believe we will get there if Congress, the VA, the unions and veteran support organizations work together.

“Today’s announcement is a positive interim solution that should result in the oldest claims receiving more timely decisions. It will not resolve the systematic challenges that face VA in the current processing model. VA needs to continue moving forward with the new processing model. We all need to look for the best efficiencies in the process and evaluate policies that drive the process.”