Veterans hopeful as new bill seeks to cut red tape in accessing crucial VA forms

TOBYHANNA, MONROE CO. (WOLF) — Veterans and their families may soon find relief from bureaucratic paperwork required to access benefits, thanks to the recent passage of H.R. 1286.

The bill mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study and provide recommendations to simplify VA forms.

Greg Schultz, Commander of V.F.W. Post 3448, reflected on the challenges he faced after leaving the military.

"It's documentation, documentation, red tape, duplicate applications, and my understanding is the paperwork even harder," Commander Schultz said.

Veteran Tony Andriola, who cares for his son suffering from PTSD, shared similar frustrations.

"When I took him to the VA. We got nothing but red tape. Nothing but frustration," Andriola said.

Andriola expressed hope for a more streamlined process with the bill's passage.

"I'm trying to get him as much help as I can to VA. Every step of the way is just nothing but trouble. This act helps immensely." Andriola explained.

Commander Schultz echoed this optimism.

"Hopefully it becomes easier and more simplified through the new act that got passed." Schultz said.

Congressman Bresnahan emphasized the necessity of the bill.

“How do we get rid of all that unnecessary bureaucratic process? So, how do the people that deserve and earn these benefits receive them," Bresnahan asked.

With bipartisan support, Bresnahan is optimistic about the bill's future.

"I'm very confident there's been universal express support between both chambers as well as the administration and the White House, that this is something they want to see become a reality," Bresnahan said.

The bill, only three pages long, underscores the importance of reducing redundancy.

"The bill should not be longer than the forms that we're trying to reduce the redundancy on," Bresnahan added.

The 8th Congressional District is home to more than 40,000 veterans.