Congressman Ciscomani’s First Bill Targets VA Backlog

WASHINGTON — Congressman Juan Ciscomani today introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at cutting the wait times for veterans seeking disability benefits. 

The Arizona Republican is teaming up with Congressman Morgan McGarvey, a Democrat from Kentucky, on the Veterans’ Appeals Backlog Improvement Act, which focuses on making sure veteran disability claims can be processed faster. 

“We have a responsibility to look after our veterans, especially those who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Congressman Ciscomani, a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “No veteran should be forced to wait for vitally important disability payments. These programs will enlist our brightest legal minds to assist the Board of Veterans’ Appeals with overcoming this unacceptable backlog. It will also offer aspiring public servants an invaluable opportunity to serve their country.” 

This bipartisan legislation would improve the Board of Veterans’ Appeals ability to hire qualified attorneys and address the backlog of disability claims by: 

• Establishing a competitive internship program for law students to serve with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Board of Veterans’ Appeals
• Creating a nine-year pilot honors program for recruiting entry-level attorneys
• Authorizing a report on improving access to the Board’s tele-hearings 

The current VA appeals process leaves veterans waiting far too long for disability payment decisions. The backlog of pending appeals has increased in recent years, topping 200,000 undecided cases in February. The average veteran filing an appeal faces a wait time of 440 days before a decision.  
 
Last year, the VA recorded a record number of disability claims after landmark legislation approved benefits for 23 respiratory illnesses and exposure tied to toxic burn pits. Secretary Denis McDonough reported that the VA was processing up to 7,900 claims a day and needed to pursue aggressive hiring and retention tactics. 

“Disabled veterans deserve a system that provides access to their earned benefits in a fair and timely manner, so I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to address the growing backlog of VA disability compensation appeals,” said Congressman McGarvey. “This bill will allow the VA and Board of Veterans’ Appeals to establish a legal internship program, hire more young attorneys, and create better access to resources, cutting down on delays and improving veterans’ lives. It’s crucial that we continue to best serve those who served us.” 
This legislation is supported by Disabled American Veterans and Vietnam Veterans of America. 
 
“DAV has long called on Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs to support significant and meaningful reforms aimed at addressing the growing backlog of VA claims and appeal processing. A key measure in modernizing these processes is providing the Board of Veterans’ Appeals with adequate resources to better support its judges. By establishing an internship program and authorizing the hiring of entry-level attorneys, the Veterans’ Appeals Backlog Improvement Act would vastly improve the Board’s ability to hire and retain qualified attorneys to help address the backlog of appeals. DAV is proud to support this legislation and applauds Reps. Ciscomani and McGarvey for their bipartisan leadership on this important issue,” said DAV National Service Director Jim Marszalek. 
 
The legislation is also earning support from Arizonans. 
 
“No veteran should have to wait months or even years to get their disability claim processed,” said Ted Maxwell, a retired Air Force major general who serves on Congressman Ciscomani’s Citizens Advisory Council. “This bill is a creative solution to a national problem and I thank Congressman Ciscomani for making it a priority. He is delivering on his promise to go to Washington and get results.” 
 
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans of Virginia and Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa are original cosponsors.

Congressman Ciscomani and Congressman McGarvey serve together on the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Congressman Ciscomani has met with numerous veterans’ groups during his first two months in office, including the American Legion Post 132, the Friday Pilots, the Fort Huachuca 50, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

The full text of the legislation can be found HERE.