The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act, a bill introduced by Congressman David Valadao (CA-22). The legislation aims to standardize the software used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for processing benefit claims, with the goal of streamlining procedures and reducing delays for veterans and their families.
Congressman Valadao first introduced this bill during the 118th Congress. He emphasized that veterans should not face additional challenges when seeking benefits. “Our veterans put their lives on the line to defend our nation, and they shouldn’t have to fight another battle just to access the benefits they’ve earned,” said Congressman Valadao. “The VA’s current claims system is inefficient, creates backlogs, and burdens veterans and their families with unnecessary paperwork. House passage of my bill is an important step to expand automation tools, streamline the process, and ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get it across the finish line.”
Valadao addressed his colleagues on the House floor in support of his legislation. In his remarks he stated:
“Mr. Speaker,
I rise to urge support for my bill, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Act.
Our veterans put their lives on the line to defend this country. When they come home, they shouldn’t have to fight another battle just to get the benefits they’ve earned.
Unfortunately, outdated systems at the VA are causing unnecessary delays that create real hardships for both veterans and their families.
To speed up disability claims, the VA has used automation tools like AI to draft letters and gather documents. But that same technology hasn’t been applied to other types of claims, such as pensions or survivors’ benefits.
This has led to growing backlogs and, in some cases, missed benefits altogether.
My bill takes steps to fix this. It requires the VA to expand the use of automation tools, ensure documents are properly labeled in the system, and improve coordination between offices.
It also directs the VA to use these tools for pensions and survivors’ benefits so families aren’t left behind.
By improving coordination across the VA and other federal agencies, we can also reduce overpayments and prevent families from being hit with unexpected debt notices.
This is a commonsense bill that will help ensure veterans and survivors receive the benefits they deserve in a timely and efficient manner, and I urge my colleagues to join me in support.
I also want to thank Chairman Bost and his staff at the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for their work on this important bill.
Thank you, and I yield back.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs currently processes different types of benefit claims through separate offices: The Veterans Benefits Administration handles initial claims; denied claims go before The Board of Veterans’ Appeals; while debt issues related to overpayments are managed by The Debt Management Center. Automation tools such as artificial intelligence have already been used by VA staff for drafting letters or gathering evidence in disability claim cases but have not yet been widely implemented for pension or survivor benefit applications—leading some applicants waiting years for decisions due largely in part due mislabeled documents within electronic systems or lack of inter-office coordination which can result in overlooked evidence supporting a veteran’s claim.
David Valadao has represented California’s 22nd district since 2021 after previously serving in California’s State Assembly from 2010-2012 (https://valadao.house.gov/biography/). Born in Hanford in 1977 where he still resides today (https://www.congress.gov/member/david-valadao/V000129).
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