Washington, D.C. — Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today called on the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement critical changes that will provide the benefits New York veterans deserve at the pace they need.
In a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, Senator Gillibrand requested within 30 days a timeline to implement recommendations outlined in a report released Monday by the Department of Veterans Affairs, particularly, by establishing claim-receipt date accuracy goals that can be used to monitor the internal computer system.
“When these brave men and women return home to the country they served, we must deliver on our promise to them: first rate health care, an affordable college education, home loans, and the resources necessary to provide for their families,” Senator Gillibrand said in the letter.
The report highlighted the fact that the Department of Veterans Affairs New York City regional office has been mired in problems processing benefits claims.
New York is home to more than one million men and women who have served their country in the Armed Services. Approximately 800,000 New York veterans from more than 30 counties across the state rely on this office to deliver the benefits they have earned.
“New York veterans, and veterans across the country, are waiting on us to act swiftly,” Senator Gillibrand continued in the letter. “It is up to us to deliver the benefits they have earned on a timely basis.”
Senator Gillibrand has a strong record of standing up for veterans. As a Member of the Armed Services Committee in the House of Representatives, Senator Gillibrand established herself as a great friend of America’s veterans and their families.
She worked to improve the lives of millions of Americans currently serving and their families. In the Senate, Senator Gillibrand will continue that charge, standing up for those who serve in the Armed Forces.