Bilirakis Co-Sponsors Bill to Cut VA Red Tape

Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) recently co-sponsored the Veterans Appeals Options Expansion Act (HR 7793), a bill designed to cut red tape regarding the VA Board of Veterans’ Appeals’ (Board) appellate process for veteran claimants by giving them more choices on how and when their appeals are processed.

The Florida congressman mentioned that he’s seen a “significant rise” in complaints surrounding VA red tape when attempting to file claims and appeals. Rep. Bilirakis joined House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL).

“In recent years, I’ve seen a significant rise in constituent complaints related to the bureaucratic red tape Veterans have faced when filing claims and appeals,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Veterans deserve to have evidence of their claims evaluated by a qualified professional in a timely and efficient manner. I’d like to thank Chairman Bost and his team for their responsiveness when I brought these concerns to their attention and for their many months of hard work in developing legislative solutions that will hopefully remove many of the barriers Veterans face when accessing the benefits they’ve earned and deserve.”

Chairman Bost added that this bill necessarily builds upon the Appeals Modernization Act of 2017 – a bill he led.

“I was proud to lead the landmark Appeals Modernization Act in 2017 to make needed reforms and improvements to the VA appeals system. This bill rightfully gave Veterans more choice and control over their appeal,” said Chairman Bost. “However, there is more work to do to make sure veterans are well-served and receive timely, accurate disability compensation benefits decisions. Which is why I’m proud to lead the Veterans Appeals Options Expansion Act alongside my friends, Chairwoman Stefanik and Rep. Bilirakis, to open up even more avenues for Veterans to get their earned disability compensation benefits. Veterans and their families need a benefits system that works with them. This bill would build on our work to do just that.”

Congressman Bilirakis represents Florida’s 12^th District. He was endorsed by former President Donald Trump (R) in late March.