I believe it is ridiculous that under the current law, when a veteran misses their VA disability compensation and pension (C&P) exam without providing good cause or rescheduling, VA automatically denies the veteran's claims.

Thanks Chairman Bost for what he is trying to achieve with this legislation.

This is a bipartisan effort with more than 25 cosponsors.

We have bipartisan support to fix this issue, demonstrating that this is a cause that transcends party lines and unites us in the name of gratitude to our military firefighters.

This injustice must be rectified. The Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act would finally provide veteran firefighters with the compensation, healthcare, and retirement benefits that they have earned through their service.

A clear and streamlined process is beneficial for our veterans.

Our bill would at long last recognize the link between occupational hazards faced by military firefighters and the development of these devastating diseases.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify before the committee in support of my bipartisan Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act.

My bill corrects the Veterans Court misinterpretation of Congress's intent when Congress passed the Appeals Modernization Act.

My bill would prevent VA from denying a claim solely because a veteran failed to appear for one exam while having an open VA benefit claim.

The bill would require the VA Board of Veterans Appeals to notify veterans of the evidence the Board did not consider when making a decision on a veteran's claim.