Latta seeks plan for VA claims backlog

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) has sent a letter to Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki urging for the timely completion of the department’s report on a plan to reduce the backlog of claims (read a signed copy of the letter here).

Along with Latta, there were 14 additional Members from the Ohio delegation that signed onto the letter. Under current law the Department of Veterans Affairs is required to submit a report to Congress on its plan to reduce the backlog of claims.

“Ohio is home to almost a million veterans, who have made great sacrifices to serve and protect America, and it is critical that our nation honor its commitment to our veterans and returning warfighters,” Latta said. “The VA must ensure accessibility to all veterans and focus its resources on expediting the large backlog of medical and retirement claims.”

Since 2008, the veteran claims backlog has doubled in number. The average processing time for claims is approximately nine months.