Veterans' wait time for benefits is 'too long,' VA official concedes
By Jennifer Rizzo
Questioned about a growing backlog of veterans' claims, a top Veteran Affairs official conceded Wednesday that veterans wait "too long" to receive benefits.
"Too many veterans still have to wait too long to get the compensation benefits they earn, and that is unacceptable to us," said Allison Hickey, Undersecretary for Benefits, during a hearing on Capitol Hill.
Senators pressed officials from the VA on the increase in the number of veterans waiting more than 125 days for their benefits claims to go through.
A recent report from the Center for Investigative Reporting found that since President Obama took office in 2009, the number of veterans waiting more than a year for their benefits has skyrocketed, from 11,000 in 2009 to 245,000 in December 2012, a jump of more than 2,000%.
The VA states the average wait time after a veteran files a claim is 273 days. But for veterans filing their first claim, including Iraq and Afghanistan vets, the wait is up to 327 days, nearly two months longer. In big cities such as New York, veterans could wait for almost two years. CIR analyzed the data obtained from a Freedom of Information Act request.
"When I look at the numbers four years later ... it's not getting better," Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) stated during the hearing. "I can tell you that the increase in calls in my office are not going down."
Hickey cited an increase in demand because of the length of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a decision to expand benefits to those suffering from illnesses associated with Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War.
"What I will say is the demand has risen, and I will go back to saying we have done a million claims a year," Hickey said. "These hardworking folks want to do what's right for their family members."
The number of claims has increased. In 2001, the VA completed approximately 480,000 claims, in 2002 approximately 796,000 claims and in 2003 around 827,000 claims, according to Vermont Sen. Bernard Sanders, chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. In 2010, 2011 and 2012, the VA completed more than 1 million claims each year, he said.
Veterans service organizations say filing a claim can be as challenging as filing a complex tax return or defending yourself in a lawsuit. In the meantime, veterans experience hardships.
"Our veterans go through a lot of the same everyday trials and challenges that everyone else does. They have bills to pay. They have mortgages. They have car loans. Many of them are going back to school, and on top of that they have their service-connected disabilities," said Jay Agg, spokesman for the veterans service group AMVETS. "So having to wait months, years for their benefits to which they're entitled is very frustrating, and it's just compounded when they have to deal with all these other challenges."
@natlsecuritycnn on Twitter
Wonderful work! That is the type of information that are meant to be shared around
the internet. Shame on Google for now not positioning this put up higher!
Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)
http://www.vebl.net/cgi-bin/te/o.cgi?s=75&l=psrelated&u=http://affordableranking.com
This blog was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me. Many thanks!
https://www.tiyuqicai.com/url.php?url=https://www.affordableranking.com/
http://www.healthandbeyond.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.affordableranking.com
http://danamall.co.kr/shop/bannerhit.php?bn_id=9&url=http3A2F2Focrvcenter.com
bookmarked!!, I love your website!
http://www.am-segelhafen-hotel.com/files/ash_hotel/proxy.php?url=http3A2F2Focrvcenter.com
http://yesmiss.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
https://gza.short.gy/ZC5HTW
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written much better! Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept preaching about this. I most certainly will forward this post to him. Fairly certain he's going to have a great read. I appreciate you for sharing!
https://uii.io/2xaV91x
http://www.chrisspiro.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon everyday. It's always exciting to read articles from other authors and practice something from their websites.
http://gigaalert.com/view.php?h=&s=http://affordableranking.com
https://oke.io/rts66dl6
Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this information together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
https://seavousplay.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://ilclubitalianodelcardellino.it/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
https://www.baldi-srl.it/changelanguage/1?returnurl=https://www.affordableranking.com
I needed to thank you for this good read!! I certainly enjoyed every bit of it. I've got you bookmarked to look at new things you post…
https://dausel.co/kI2W3Q
I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this blog. I am hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts by you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my very own site now 😉
https://www.aspencorp.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://navi-mxm.dojin.com/cgi-bin/ys/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=3385&url=http://affordableranking.com
I seriously love your blog.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you develop this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my own blog and would love to learn where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Thanks!
http://www.hiperfarma.lt/crossauth.php?url=http://affordableranking.com
http://hoagsummerfestival.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.affordableranking.com
https://www.corsaro.it/portale/adredir.asp?url=https://www.affordableranking.com
I seriously love your site.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own blog and would love to know where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Thank you!
https://www.660549.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://www.metrohomelink.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It's always helpful to read through articles from other writers and practice a little something from other sites.
http://gurleyandsonheatingandair.com/?wptouch_switch=desktop&redirect=http3A2F2Faffordableranking.com
After I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I get four emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is an easy method you can remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!
http://edsea.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.com
This page really has all the info I needed concerning this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
http://pajustice.net/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
https://www.findingfarm.com/redir?url=https://affordableranking.com
Right here is the right site for anyone who wants to find out about this topic. You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a topic that has been written about for a long time. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!
https://www.lav.it/template/redirect.php?id_news=804129&url=https://affordableranking.com
May I simply just say what a relief to find a person that really knows what they are talking about online. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people should look at this and understand this side of the story. It's surprising you aren't more popular because you most certainly possess the gift.
https://dir.tetsumania.net/search/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=3267&url=https://affordableranking.com
Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to make a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.
http://politic.link/go?url=http://affordableranking.com
http://www.internetyogi.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
That is a good tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate information… Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
https://septictanks.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.affordableranking.com
http://flashfoods.info/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.com
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be interesting to read through articles from other writers and practice a little something from their sites.
http://foodworldunion.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
http://www.ritmoflow.com/?videos=Dance&v=jP30XltIAAk
Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this information together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!
http://www.falsestart.biz/tc/i.cgi?cat=15&mode=redirect&ref_eid=8700&url=http3A2F2Fwww.forkliftrentalsnearme.com
http://www.ra2d.com/directory/redirect.asp?id=596&url=https://www.allbrewsupplies.com
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is an issue that not enough people are speaking intelligently about. I'm very happy that I found this in my hunt for something regarding this.
http://tenzidetailer.cz/redirect.php?url=http3A//forkliftdealernearme.com
I’m amazed, I have to admit. Rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both equally educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you've hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough men and women are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy I found this in my hunt for something regarding this.
https://vid.to/play/watch/AqKsrYoEmy0
https://portal.estrechy.cz/redir.php?url=allbrewsupplies.com/
http://youloop.org/loop.php?v=EZe0PrdIoSo
https://images.google.cf/url?sa=i&rct=j&url=https://howtobrews.com
That is a really good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Short but very precise info… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!
https://popular50.com/us/watch/RdrVjjDs8eE
https://mp3prof.com/video/w9cLLsF5HEg
https://www.5bty.com/diaoyong.php?url=https://www.bestservicenearme.com
https://www.stenaline.co.uk/affiliate_redirect.aspx?affiliate=tradedoubler&url=http://fitpatricks.com
http://subarufan.nnov.ru/away.php?http://www.ocrvfleetservices.com
http://google.iq/url?q=https://fleettruckrepairshop.com
Saved as a favorite, I really like your website!
http://local.google.fi/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://masteringthemanwithin.com
Good info. Lucky me I came across your blog by chance (stumbleupon). I've saved it for later!
https://google.td/url?sa=j&source=web&rct=j&url=https3A2F2Ffleetautorepairshop.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGaY_nlK9ozc51fqwjiVdMaYZL7rg
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
After I originally commented I seem to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment. Is there an easy method you are able to remove me from that service? Many thanks!
http://cse.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://mastermindformen.com
http://apps.imgs.jp/yamakawa/dmenu/cc.php?url=http://www.ocrvfleetservices.com
https://www.google.co.nz/url?q=https://bettersightovernight.com
Spot on with this write-up, I truly believe this site needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read more, thanks for the advice!
http://local.google.com.eg/url?q=https://optometristphoenixaz.com
http://www.lagemsltd.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=www.newrvowners.com
Aw, this was a really nice post. Spending some time and actual efrort to create
a top notch article… bbut what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and don't mannage to get nearly anything done.
https://cse.google.as/url?sa=t&rct=j&url=https3A2F2Faikareborn.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGaY_nlK9ozc51fqwjiVdMaYZL7rg
Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this blog before but after browsing through a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!
https://extraproxies.com/
I would like to thank you for the efforts you've put in writing this blog. I really hope to check out the same high-grade blog posts from you later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own, personal site now 😉
https://clients1.google.co.kr/url?rct=t&sa=t&url=https://fleetrepairshops.com
I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get setup?
I'm assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I'm not very internet savvy so I'm not 100% certain. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
It’s hard to come by educated people for this topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
http://mededu.cau.ac.kr/micro/paper_ht.asp?num=257&visit=4&pubmed=ocrvluxurycoaches.com
http://yellowpages.cantonrep.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrvcenter.info
http://www.astroscope.su/go.php?https://mastermindformen.com
Remarkable! Its really awesome paragraph, I have got much clear idea concerning from this post.
Hurrah! After all I got a website from where I can truly take valuable facts regarding my study and knowledge.
Howdy! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading your posts.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same topics?
Appreciate it!
Does your website have a contact page? I'm having a tough time locating it but,
I'd like to shoot you an email. I've got some creative
ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it grow over
time.
You can still create videos starring your voice and
your screen these kinds of free services online.
Decide on a few to target on and also soon can really clog be generally
there are.
Attractive portion of content. I simply stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to say
that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement
you get entry to consistently quickly.
Here is my web site: Best Universities in Africa
I do not even know the way I stopped up here, however
I assumed this publish was great. I don't recognize who you're but
certainly you're going to a well-known blogger when you are
not already. Cheers!
Yes! Finally something about informasi poker online.
My brother suggested I would possibly like this blog.
He was once totally right. This put up truly made my day. You cann't imagine
simply how so much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
I want to to thank you for this great read!! I absolutely loved every bit of it.
I've got you book marked to check out new things you post…
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am genuinely impressed to read everthing at alone place.
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made bloggin look easy. Thee overall look of your site is wonderful, let alone the content!
Great blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A theme like yours wih a few simple adjustements would really
make my blog stand out. Please let me know where
you got your theme. Thanks
I don't know whether it's just mme or if perhaps
everybody else experuencing issues with your site. It
appears like some of the text within your content are running off the screen. Can somebody else please provide feeedback and let me know
if tgis is happening to them too? This maay be a issue with my brlwser because
I've had this happe previously. Appreciate it
hey there and thank you for your information – I have certainly picked up something new from right here.
I did however expertise a few technical points using this web site, since I experienced to reload the website many times previous to I could get it
to load correctly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK?
Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times
will very frequently affect your placement in google
and can damage your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
Anyway I'm adding this RSS to my email and could look out for a
lot more of your respective intriguing content.
Ensure that you update this again soon.
It'sactually a great and helpful piece of info. I'm happy that you just shared this helpful information with us.
Please keep us informed like this. Thwnk you ffor sharing.
I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout
on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify
it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is
rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays.
Please let me know if you're looking for a article author for your weblog.
You have some really good articles and I think I would be a
good asset. If you ever want to take some of
the load off, I'd really like to write some content
for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an email if interested.
Kudos!
Hi there! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I'd figured I'd ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa?
My website covers a lot of the same topics as yours and I think we could greatly
benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to
shoot me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Awesome blog by the way!
Hi mates, how is the whole thing, and what you would like to say on the topic of this post, in my view its
really amazing in support of me.
Then, limit the scope of within the and focus only on those information that
became important. You just have to choose something you're very good
at or have an interest in starting.
Hey there! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if
that would be okay. I'm definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
Heya i'm for the first time here. I found this board and I find It
truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and help others like you helped me.
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you, However
I am going through problems with your RSS. I don't know the reason why I cannot join it.
Is there anybody having similar RSS issues? Anyone who knows
the answer will you kindly respond? Thanks!!
I enjoy what you guys tend to be up too. This sort of
clever work and coverage! Keep up the awesome works guys I've included you guys to
my personal blogroll.
Here is my site: situs judi online (aaron1p41kry7.Losblogos.com)
Afteer going over a few of thee blog posts on your site, I really like your technique of witing a blog.
I book marked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking baqck soon.
Please visit my website as well and let me know howw you
feel.
Hi, all is going well here and ofcourse every one is
sharing information, that's genuinely excellent,
keep up writing.
Your means of telling everything in this paragraph is genuinely pleasant,
every one be capable of simply be aware of it, Thanks a lot.
Today, I went to the beach front with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year
old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear."
She put the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had
to tell someone!
always i used to read smaller articles that also clear their motive, and that is also happening
with this paragraph which I am reading at this place.
chloroquine phosphate tablet https://aralenchloroquinex.com/# chloroquine without prescription
Hey very cool web site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I'll bookmark your blog and
take the feeds additionally? I am glad to search out a lot of helpful info right here within the put
up, we want work out extra techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing.
. . . . .
After checking out a number of the articles on your website,
I really appreciate your technique of blogging.
I saved it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Please visit my website too and let me know how you feel.
I've read a few good stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting.
I surprise how so much effort you put to create such a wonderful informative web site.
If some one wishes expert view on the topic of blogging
afterward i propose him/her to pay a visit this web site, Keep up the
pleasant job.
If some one needs expert view on the topic of blogging and site-building after that i advise him/her
to go to see this blog, Keep up the good work.