As a June 13, 2013 Sarasota Herald Tribune editorial states, veterans are left dangling by Congress’ failure to fund the Veterans Administration (VA) to the extent necessary to clear the backlog of disability claims. Rep. Vern Buchanan did vote for the underlying legislation (H.R. 2216) which provides some, but not sufficient funding to clear the claims backlog. The editorial fails to mention that he also voted against an amendment to the bill that would have funded more claims processors.

When we send our troops to war we owe them our 100% support, not half- hearted support. Sending our troops to war is expensive. Noble Prize winning economist Joseph Stiglitz calculates that the cost of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars could reach seven trillion dollars when the costs of caring for the injured, wounded, and sickened veterans are taken into account.

Florida Veterans for Common Sense suggests that Rep. Buchanan file legislation that grants veterans disability claims upon filing. This ends the backlog. VA can then evaluate the claims and make adjustments if necessary.

Posted by FLVCS VP, Mike Burns