Veterans Affairs committee  I think we would all have a slightly different answer depending on the benefit program we're administering. For the compensation and pension business lines, I would say the focus is on providing higher-quality service and faster benefit delivery.

Veterans Affairs committee  The initial appeal process is within the VA. There is an internal appeal process. If the veteran is not satisfied with the outcome of that internal process, he or she can appeal to an independent part of the VA , to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. If the veteran is still not sati

Veterans Affairs committee  What I was referring to earlier were the benefits that are potentially available to the family or person bearing last expenses for a deceased veteran. It sounds as if you're referring to what may be provided by the National Cemetery Administration. Is that correct? Do you mean ac

Veterans Affairs committee  I'm by no means an expert on matters that involve the National Cemetery Administration, which is the third arm of the VA. To the best of my knowledge, a veteran need only have honourable service to qualify for burial in a national cemetery, provided there is space available. I'm

Veterans Affairs committee  There are between 22 million and 23 million.

Veterans Affairs committee  I'll defer to the VHA representative here, as far as health care. Concerning compensation benefits for injuries or diseases sustained, the goal of the IDES program is to award benefits within the first 30 days after release from active duty. Generally speaking, by law, the first

Veterans Affairs committee  For a death that is deemed service-related, that is to say due to a service-connected disability, the maximum burial reimbursement allowance payable currently is $2,000. For a non service-related death, there are certain eligibility criteria that must be met to qualify for a non

Veterans Affairs committee  For the program that I was primarily speaking about, the integrated disability evaluation system, which again is for those who are undergoing a disability separation from the military, there is a one-on-one relationship with a VA employee, a military service coordinator. That per

Veterans Affairs committee  From the last data I recall, yes, it's in excess of 600 days for appeals resolution.

Veterans Affairs committee  Over the last many years, VA has experienced an increased budget each fiscal year. I don't have budgetary figures in front of me and can't quote percentages, but it has steadily increased over the last several years.

Veterans Affairs committee  As I mentioned, every transitioning service member has the opportunity to attend a transition assistance briefing, which is a four-hour briefing that is dedicated solely to the VA benefits and services that are available to them upon discharge.

Veterans Affairs committee  I believe spouses are invited to attend the briefings. In my experience, I have not seen a lot of family members.

Veterans Affairs committee  There is. A veteran can appeal any decision rendered by the Veterans Benefits Administration. They have one year in which to do so.

Veterans Affairs committee  I don't have the data at present. I know it takes in excess of 600 days to revolve.

Veterans Affairs committee  We have veterans service organizations available. I shouldn't say that VA has, but there are veterans service organizations available to veterans to assist them with their claims and appeals preparation. Those are offered free of charge to the veteran. A veteran also has the rig