Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) have introduced a bill improving the recruitment and retention of staff for the Board of Veterans' Appeals. This would, in turn, increase the Board's timeliness and ability to process claims.
The Board, as described by their website, is charged with assisting veterans in making appeals claims and then rendering final actions that are "fair to the Veteran as well as the Government." Additionally, the organization has expanded from 800 to 1200 personnel in the past five years.
However, Rep. Bilirakis and Rep. McGarvey suggest that the expansion has yet to improve its capabilities.
"Too often, the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) continues to be a roadblock for timely processing of VA claims," said Rep. Bilirakis in his press release.
"The Veteran Appeals backlog unnecessarily delays our nation's heroes from accessing the benefits they've earned and is a concern that has been raised by many of my constituents. Our bill addresses BVA performance and staffing concerns by creating a level playing field with BVA and other federal agencies. When coupled with the quality assurance metrics and accountability measures we have recently pushed, this important piece of the legislation is a key part of the overall solution," the Florida Congressman added.
Similarly, Rep. McGarvey said, "Veterans in Louisville and across the US deserve a speedy and efficient VA – especially when appealing a denied claim. These decisions don't come out of thin air; they require staffing by expert attorneys in veterans law, which takes years to master. Whether in the public or private sector, the same principle applies: you can't retain top talent by denying your employees competitive compensation. I'm proud to champion this bipartisan legislation to empower BVA with the tools needed to address the claims backlog, retain talented attorneys, and ensure our veterans get the benefits they've earned."
Bilirakis had previously criticized the Biden-Harris Administration in a September interview with The Floridian, suggesting that it does not prioritize the well-being of veterans.
"I will tell you this: I do not think it is as much of a priority as it was under the Trump Administration. I think that Trump prioritized veterans, my top priority, and I feel that he loves his veterans and the military retirees as well. My concern right now, my immediate concern, is that this administration is doing everything they possibly can to eliminate community care," Bilirakis told us.
