Bresnahan Introduces Legislation to Simplify Veterans Claims

WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) introduced his first piece of legislation as a Member of Congress. The bipartisan Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act, would simplify forms required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans and survivors. Rep. Bresnahan introduced the bill alongside Representative Don Davis (NC-01). House Committee on Veterans Affairs’ Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12), and Representatives Josh Harder (CA-09), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and David Valadao (CA-22) are original cosponsors of the bill.

“Our military members dedicate their lives to serving our nation. The last thing they need when they come home are mountains of daunting paperwork,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Pennsylvania’s Eighth District is home to the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center and nearly 40,000 veterans. The Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act will ease the burden of paperwork felt by so many of our veterans and their loved ones. 

“I came to Congress with the mindset that I am here to make life better for the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania,” continued Rep. Bresnahan. “My first piece of legislation will do just that by taking care of those who fight every day for our freedom. I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for joining me to support our nation’s past and present soldiers and their families.”

“Our veterans should not have to jump through hoops just to file basic claims,” said Rep. Davis. “Exploring ways to cut red tape for those who have served our country is the least we can do so they can focus on taking care of themselves and their families.”

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) within VA requires veterans and survivors to complete standard forms to initiate and pursue claims for VA benefits, including disability compensation, pension, and survivors’ benefits. These forms can often be arduous and difficult to understand for veterans or their survivors, and failure to do correctly fill them out can result in delays in processing their claim, delays in receiving a decision on their claim, or even a denial of their claim. 

Rep. Bresnahan introduced the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act to simplify the forms process to make VA standard forms more user-friendly. The legislation would require VA to contract with a nonpartisan, federally funded research entity to conduct a study on, and provide recommendations for, revising VA forms to be more understandable for veterans and their survivors. Following this study, the VA Secretary would be required to report findings to Congress and implement recommendations. 

“Filing a compensation claim for benefits from the VA is one of the most vital steps a service member or veterans’ survivor takes. However, far too often, completing VA forms can be difficult, leading to unneeded stress.” said Chairman Bost. “I’m glad to see my friend and colleague, Rep. Bresnahan, reintroduce the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act this Congress to require the VA to work with a nonpartisan, federally funded research partner and veterans’ and survivors’ advocates to study, provide recommendations, and revise VA forms to be clear and understandable for veterans.”

“Our veterans served our country bravely, and getting access to the health care that they have earned shouldn't be another battle,” said Rep. Harder. “It's absolutely unacceptable that our veterans have to wade through mountains of paperwork just to get health benefits. This bill is simple — it makes claims processing easier and delivers care faster, and I'm proud that this is a bipartisan effort.”

“Our veterans have sacrificed for our country, and they shouldn’t have to struggle through overly complex forms just to access the benefits they’ve earned,” said Rep. Panetta. “The bipartisan Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act would take an important step in ensuring that the VA’s claims process is clear, accessible, and efficient. By working with independent experts to assess and improve these forms, we can reduce unnecessary burdens on veterans and their families, helping them get the support they have earned.”

“The Department of Veterans Affairs’ claims process is full of bureaucratic red tape, making it difficult for veterans and their families to access the benefits they’ve earned,” said Rep. Valadao. “The Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act will streamline the process to ensure families can receive fair and timely decisions on their VA claims. I’m grateful for Rep. Bresnahan’s leadership on this important issue.”

You can find the bill text here.