U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, led a hearing focused on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits system. The hearing included testimony from the VA Inspector General, Government Accountability Office, veterans, and representatives from organizations such as Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and Disabled American Veterans.
The discussion followed recent articles published by The Washington Post that highlighted cases where VA service-connection disability compensation was allegedly exploited. These reports have caused concern among veterans and advocacy groups.
Senator Moran addressed these concerns during the hearing. “Recent articles published by The Washington Post have raised concerns and frustrations within the veteran community,” said Sen. Moran. “I have heard from numerous veterans and groups who are frustrated that these articles have left an impression that veterans are engaging in widespread fraud in the disability claims space. The cases of fraud highlighted in these articles do not reflect the reality of who veterans are, the vast majority of the veteran population, or the values veterans embody.”
He further stated: “The attention these stories have received provides us an opportunity to have an important discussion about whether the system we have built is serving the needs veterans today, and how we can reform it to better serve those it was designed to help,” continued Sen. Moran. “We have an obligation to the men and women who have injuries or illnesses connected to their service in uniform to make certain they are provided the tools and resources they need to succeed in life after the military.”
The committee considered ways to improve how disability benefits are administered and ensure support for eligible veterans.
A recording of the full hearing is available online.
