Pappas’s Bipartisan Bill to Improve VA Services Passes House
Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ranking Member of the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA), led the House in passing his Veterans Benefits Improvement Act with bipartisan support. Pappas introduced this legislation alongside Congressman Luttrell (TX-08).
This bipartisan legislation would improve VA benefits accessibility by requiring that the Secretary publish disability benefit questionnaire (DBQ) forms on the VA’s website for use by a veteran’s private provider. It also includes a report on improving access to travel reimbursement pay for veterans living abroad who must attend a disability exam. Additionally, this bill would improve communication regarding the scheduling of disability exams between contractors, veterans, and the veteran’s accredited representative.
“Too many of our nation’s veterans encounter red tape, delays, and backlogs when trying to access the benefits and services they are owed,” said Congressman Pappas. “Improving transparency and accessibility for VA services, as well as communication between veterans, their accredited representatives, and contractors, will ensure that veterans receive the benefits they have earned. I’m thrilled to see this bill to make VA’s processes more efficient for veterans pass the House, and I urge the Senate to swiftly take it up.”