Merced Times

"Every day, my office hears from veterans who are struggling to access the benefits they’ve earned because of confusing processes and overcomplicated documents. I’m proud to be leading bipartisan legislation with Congressman John Duarte that would simplify the Department of Veterans Affairs’ correspondence with our nation’s heroes and cut out the complicated legal jargon. By ensuring that the VA communicates clearly and concisely with our veterans, we can improve access to critical services for veterans across the country." - Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski

“For many veterans, filing a disability compensation claim for benefits from VA is one of the most important steps they’ll take after serving our country. Navigating this process should not be painstakingly difficult and confusing, like we’ve heard far too often that it can be. That’s why I am pleased to see my colleague and friend, Rep. Duarte, introduce the Clear Communication For Veterans Claims Act, to ensure that VA’s notice letters for disability claims are straightforward and easy for veterans to understand, without the confusing legal jargon that we know can cause veterans and their survivors undue anxiety and stress.” - Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost

“Too often our veterans and their families struggle with bureaucratic red tape to get their hard-earned benefits. The Clear Communications for Veterans Act would improve this often confusing process and make it easier for veterans to navigate the benefits process. I’m grateful for Rep. Duarte’s leadership on this important issue." - Congressman David Valadao

“The Clear Communications for Veterans Claims Act will bring much needed aid to our veterans by making claims easier and more intuitive at the Department of Veterans Affairs. I am proud to support the brave men and women in Miami who put their lives on the line for our country by making their benefits claim experience as efficient and consumer friendly as possible." - Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar

MERCED, CA - Congressman John Duarte, along with a bipartisan group of colleagues, recently introduced the Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act (HR 7816). This legislation aims to improve the communication between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans by simplifying the complex correspondence regarding benefits decisions.

In a statement, Congressman Duarte expressed his concerns about the current process, stating, “The process by which veterans apply for and receive the benefits they earned in the course of their duty and service to this grateful nation is at best complicated, and at worst, broken." He emphasized the need for clear and concise communication to inform veterans about the status of their benefits claims.

The Clear Communications for Veterans Claims Act would require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to contract with a third-party to develop and implement recommendations to improve written communications with veterans, making them shorter and easier to understand. This initiative aims to alleviate the confusion and stress often experienced by veterans and their families when dealing with VA Notice Letters.

The proposed legislation has garnered support from various members of Congress who believe in the importance of simplifying the benefits process for veterans. Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost highlighted the significance of the bill in improving access to critical services for veterans nationwide.

The Clear Communications for Veterans Claims Act seeks to streamline the communication process between veterans and the VA, ensuring that veterans can easily navigate and understand the information provided to them regarding their benefits and claims.