North Houston News

WASHINGTON – Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), alongside Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), introduced the Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act of 2024 during the DAMA legislative hearing. Luttrell emphasized the need for improved decision-making on veterans' claims by stating, "Over the course of several hearings, I’ve heard time and again about the Veterans Affairs Board of Appeals failing to ensure quality decision making on veterans’ claims."

Chairman Bost echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgency for fair decisions on VA benefits, stating, "Veterans and their families have earned legally accurate and fair decisions on their claims for VA benefits. But right now, that’s not always the case."

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik expressed her dedication to veterans' concerns by co-leading Luttrell's legislation, emphasizing the importance of timely processing of veterans' claims: "Bringing the concerns of our veterans and service members to the highest levels of government will always be one of my top priorities. I am proud to co-lead Chairman Luttrell’s legislation to ensure our veterans’ claims are processed and results are delivered with the urgency they deserve."

Congressman Gus Bilirakis commended Luttrell's leadership on the bill, recognizing its significance in addressing performance issues in reviewing veterans' benefit claims: "I’m grateful for Chairman Luttrell’s leadership on this important bill that will help address the glaring performance problems routinely made when the VA Board of Veterans Appeals reviews Veterans’ benefit claims."

The legislation aims to enhance the VA appeals process by implementing a quality assurance program, ensuring errors are identified and reported, facilitating learning from mistakes, and providing accountability through performance evaluations and a plan to decrease unnecessary remands.