Richard Burr

I will only say to my colleagues and to those from the VA, I am not going to let this out of my teeth.

I am trying to figure out, why did we do this?

We are not provided this information. We are not going to be able to give you specific recommendations that you can act on?

Is unduly restrictive . . . and inconsistent with current models of disability.

Our philosophy of veterans' benefits must . . . be modernized, and the whole structure of traditional veterans' programs brought up to date.

We needed better outcomes, we needed more investment to make sure that the outcomes of the American people were, in fact, better.

I trust my colleague. He said our goal is to only get safe products to market.

I have deep respect for Senator Harkin--debating tobacco. And at that point, the FDA was the only agency in the world that could regulate tobacco.

I think it is absolutely essential that you tell us whether the next step are congressional steps, the next steps are VA steps, the next step is to stimulate the national debate.

I was serious months ago when I suggested to the service organizations, let's start with a blank sheet of paper.

For the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our Nation, they deserve a system that meets their needs without hassles or delays.

I was going to ask Mr. Wilson a couple of questions, but I am going to forego those and just make an observation.

If at the end of the day we determine we have a system that cannot do that, then we have to decide whether we change the system to accommodate it, or, in fact, we may find that we can do this and incorporate it in the same system.

I think that they were very specific as it related to the need to move to a system that compensated for the loss of quality-of-life.

I chuckled, Mr. Koch, at the answer because I sat here thinking, you know, MasterCard and Visa can find everybody in America.

Admiral, I appreciate your candid answer and, again, thank all three of you for your service to the veterans.

But if it could uphold that legal right, then we should do everything to avoid these types of delays?

One really cannot walk in and process claims.

Do I have your assurance that you will take their concerns seriously and will ensure that the VA's fiduciary policies are not only looking out for the interest of the injured veterans but also are affording the respect, trust and dignity…

Each time appellants submit new evidence, VA must review and summarize the case for the appellant again, adding to the time it takes to resolve the appeal.

I might note that this is not a cheap investment.

Perhaps the most significant shortcomings of the current system of veterans' benefit determinations and their judicial review is the delay that veterans face.

This commission should start with a blank piece of paper to design this system with no preconceived notions.

Earlier this year at one of our hearings, I think a number of organizations testified that the VA Appeals Management Center should be dissolved. They called it a black hole.

I appreciate that, and for the purpose of my colleagues to understand that there is a learning curve that these people have to go through.