U.S. Representative Rodney L. Davis (IL - 13) issued the following announcement on Apr. 23.
U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) is co-leading legislation introduced by Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX) to help veterans get accurate benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). H.R. 2753, the bipartisan Veterans Claim Transparency Act reinstates and codifies "the 48-hour rule," which allows a veteran's representative to review the VA's preliminary determination of a veteran’s benefits 48 hours before finalizing the benefit determination. The VA moved to end the rule in 2020.
“Our Nation’s veterans are our heroes, and the last thing they should be dealing with is a cumbersome and unfair VA benefit claim process,” said Davis. “The Veterans Claim Transparency Act will reinstate a 48-hour review for claims, so VSOs like the VFW can assist veterans in reviewing, correcting, or disputing a determination from the VA. At the end of the day, this legislation is about making sure our veterans are able to access the benefits they’ve earned through their service. Streamlining the VA and making it more efficient is one small step we can take to fulfill our obligation to those who served our country and put their lives on the line.”
“We must do everything we can so our veterans can quickly get the correct benefits that they have earned,” said Allred. “I am glad to again introduce this bipartisan bill, which will promote transparency and accountability by putting back into place an important review period so every veteran can get the benefits they are owed.”
The bill will help a veteran’s representative, like a Veteran Service Organization, correct errors in veterans’ benefits applications and help ensure veterans get their correct benefits the first time and do not have to file a cumbersome appeal at a later date.
The bill is supported by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).
"PVA thanks Representative Allred and Representative Davis for ensuring veterans’ claims decisions are accurate by introducing the Veterans Claim Transparency Act,” said Heather Ansley, Associate Executive Director of Government Relations, Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Original source can be found here.