I just want to comment in regard to the ombudsman. I think just the fact that the person will be in place will cut down on the number of appeals that have to be made, just because the people who are working with the veterans and with the cases know that somebody else is watching over their shoulder to make sure they are fair in their assessments.
I found that in my previous life in local government. As a mayor, when I knew things were happening and I could see what staff were doing and how they were relating to our customers in the municipality, it seemed there were fewer problems and I had fewer phone calls.
So I think just that fact will cut down on the workload for the review and appeal board. That's a very positive argument for an ombudsman, not just the fact that it's going to be independent and have the ability to be an advocate for the veterans. I think that's an important issue that needs to be stated.