Although I still believe that Jim Webb-sponsored Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 is one of the greatest bills passed this past decade, it’s painful to see such a good program so mired in delay and inefficiency. Rep. Harry Mitchell of Arizona says enough is enough, especially considering the revelation that apparently some of the service members that are getting paid aren’t getting paid the right amount.
Rep. Harry Mitchell, D-Ariz., chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee’s oversight and investigations panel, said he is “disappointed” with VA’s performance in the fall semester, which left 26,000 people still waiting for benefits when classes ended.
VA officials said most of those 26,000 veterans have now been paid. But VA’s Jan. 4 report on pending benefits claims shows that more than 48,000 Post-9/11 GI Bill claims are still being processed. Some of those could be for the spring semester.
“With a second semester only weeks away, I believe the situation remains unacceptable,” Mitchell said in a letter to VA, in which he noted he continues to get complaints about long waits.
“The confusion and uncertainty about when checks will arrive, coupled with the need to meet immediate expenses, is adding stress to veterans at a time when many are already struggling with [post-traumatic stress disorder],” Mitchell said.
Mitchell, a former high school teacher, said one of the most worrisome things he has heard is that some veterans are talking about not attending college because of benefit problems.
Ambitious programs aren’t always problem-free, but considering the cost of higher-education, I hope that the Veterans Administration et al. is able rectify this as soon as possible.
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