Cassidy Leads Bill to Streamline Veterans’ Benefits

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) introduced the Veterans Appeals Modernization Act 2.0 to eliminate red tape in the veterans' benefits appeals process and add additional oversight and accountability.

"Veterans served our country without hesitation," said Dr. Cassidy. "They deserve to receive their benefits just as quickly."

Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in introducing the legislation.

Background

While the Appeals Modernization Act of 2017 (AMA) system was a substantial improvement over the legacy system, the changes below would continue to build on those successes:

• Eliminate arbitrary "donut holes" or blackout periods that prevent veterans from submitting evidence during certain periods of the appeals process.
• Make it easier for veterans to efficiently change review lanes without penalization.
• Require VA to regularly publish online data about the outcome of AMA disputes, including Board appeals.
• Make electronic notice of Board decisions the default option and require the Board to include greater detail and explanation in its decisions.
• Ensure better caseflow management by requiring the Secretary of VA to complete a review of the electronic systems used to process appeals.
• Give veterans the right to seek Board reconsideration by a different panel
• Conduct a third-party review of the veterans appeals process.
• Require the comptroller general to conduct a review of VA's implementation of precedent setting decisions.

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