U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, led a committee hearing focused on improving the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability benefits system. The session included testimony from the VA Inspector General, Government Accountability Office, and representatives from several veterans organizations such as Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, and Disabled American Veterans.
During the hearing, members discussed recent coverage by The Washington Post that claimed veterans are overwhelming the VA with questionable disability claims. Representatives from veteran service organizations expressed their disagreement with this characterization. The discussion also addressed ways to strengthen the disability benefits system to better support veterans with service-connected disabilities and help them transition successfully after military service.
Witnesses emphasized that connecting veterans to meaningful employment opportunities is essential for their post-service success. “There’s a lot of things that the VA is entrusted to do and should be doing to help veterans find meaningful employment,” said Sen. Moran. “I saw where a group of Fort Riley soldiers, who were about to end their time of military service, spent time in Wichita with the aviation and aircraft companies, learning about opportunities for their future. There is a significant demand for the skillset, integrity and moral values of a soldier and members of our military…Yet we may not be taking sufficient advantage of the opportunities that a person who is leaving military service can provide.”
Senator Moran announced plans to hold another hearing on November 5 to discuss strategies aimed at maximizing veterans’ success following their military careers.
