James M. Jeffords: “I think it's worth remembering that this $4 million increase at the Board of Veterans' Appeals [BVA] is supported by the…”

“I think it's worth remembering that this $4 million increase at the Board of Veterans' Appeals [BVA] is supported by the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The administration asked for this money and the House of Representatives has included the increase in its bill. Thus, the support for this increase is substantial. I understand that there are various studies looking at the adjudication process at the VA, including the appellate process. However, we will not receive these results until December, and although this and future studies are ongoing, we cannot delay addressing the horrendous backlog at the BVA. Studies are fine, Mr. President, but we have veterans that could benefit now with an increase of 50 BVA personnel for only $4 million within a $84.71 billion bill. According to the Department of Veterans' Affairs, failure to increase funding levels for the BVA would mean that veterans will have to wait an additional five months to have their appeals decided. I believe that most surviving World War II veterans would disagree.”