Davis bill seeks better VA claims process for U.S. veterans

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) introduced legislation this week to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) claims process so that veterans’ caseworkers are better able to track where these cases are in the process and update veterans on the status of their cases.

“The Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act will allow my office to better assist veterans by creating more transparency within the claims process and hopefully allow the VA to be more efficient so veterans get the answers they need and deserve in a timely manner,” Davis said during a recent Veterans Resource Fair.
 
Davis’ office currently is working with the VA on more than 85 cases for veterans living in his district, which includes Springfield, Champaign, Taylorville and Decatur.
   
Specifically, H.R. 3335 would give those in Congress or employees of a state or local governmental agency who are assisting veterans with their benefit claims access to those veterans’ case-tracking information.
  
The bill also directs the VA to ensure that such access:
  
• Does not allow the employee to modify the data in the case-tracking system or to access medical records
• Requires such employees to complete a certification course on privacy issues before receiving such access.
  
“Veterans should not have to go through their member of Congress to get answers from the VA, but the fact is we are oftentimes a last resort for many veterans,” Davis said.
   
H.R. 3335 has been referred to the House Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.