COFFMAN AND MURPHY LEAD LETTER TO OBAMA URGING ACTION ON THE VA CLAIMS BACKLOG

WASHINGTON -Today, Congressmen Mike Coffman (CO-6) and Patrick Murphy (FL-18) sent a letter to President Obama urging him to become more active on the Veteran's Administration (VA) disability claims backlog.

Congressman Coffman stated that, "The President must use his Office to aggressively push the VA to reduce the backlog. The extraordinarily long wait times unfortunately stand between veterans and their benefits, and we all need to work to solve this problem. "

Currently, there are more than 600,000 veterans that are stuck in the VA's disability claims backlog, with first-time claims processing times ranging from 316-325 days.

"The current delay in benefits for veterans is simply unacceptable. Over the last four years, the backlog has grown by over 2000 percent despite a 40 percent increase in the VA's budget. We must move swiftly and aggressively," said Rep. Murphy.

The letter is signed by over 160 Members of the House, showing wide support for this critical veteran issue. A recent Senate letter to the President concerning the backlog was signed by 67 Senators and also demonstrates bipartisan support for the President to get involved in ending the claims backlog.

"This issue is bipartisan and bicameral because it is clear that more can and should be done to help our veterans who have given so much for this country. It is incumbent upon Congress and the President to work together to make sure that a veteran's claim is processed expeditiously and accurately so they receive the care they need and deserve," said Rep. Mike Coffman.

"This Memorial Day, 873,680 veterans waited for disability benefits. And yet, veterans still have not heard a word from President Obama on this critical issue. Veterans across the country - including in major cities where those filing for the first time are waiting more than a year - deserve to see a comprehensive road map from the White for how the backlog will be brought to zero. That is why IAVA is proud to join more than 160 members of the House from both parties and more than a dozen VSOs in calling for decisive action and aggressive leadership from President Obama," said IAVA CEO and founder Paul Rieckhoff.

In many cases, veterans have waited and continue to wait 800 days, 900 days, and even more than 1000 days for a disability claims decision from the VA.

Murphy also said, "Our nation's commitment to veteran's issues is not bound by any party. I am pleased to work with the President and my colleagues across the aisle to find practical solutions on behalf of our veterans. Veterans deserve a quick and pragmatic solution to this backlog of benefits."

Go to: http://patrickmurphy.house.gov/UploadedFiles/Final_Backlog_Letter.pdf to read the full letter.

Read this original document at: http://patrickmurphy.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=335698