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Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) today introduced two pieces of legislation to support our nation’s heroes. The Veterans Air Travel Streamlining Act would enable veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 50 percent or greater to utilize TSA Precheck’s expedited airport screening process at no cost. The VA Appeals Backlog Relief Act would expedite the processing of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) appeals claims.

“The Veterans Air Travel Streamlining Act would provide an opportunity for us to show our gratitude to the men and women who have so bravely and selflessly served this country,” said Latta. “Allowing our wounded heroes to participate in TSA’s Precheck program free of charge would enable these veterans to bypass certain screening procedures that can be time consuming given their injuries, while maintaining necessary security procedures in our airports.”

Injured veterans must currently contact TSA with their confirmed flight itinerary and all other relevant information to be eligible for TSA Precheck lanes and other expedited screening procedures at airports. The Veterans Air Travel Streamlining Act would waive the TSA Precheck application fee for veterans, who meet disability and program eligibility requirements, so they can participate in this expedited airport security screening process every time they fly.

In addition, the VA Appeals Backlog Relief Act would address the unacceptable and overwhelming VA appeals backlog by placing a 12-month deadline for all appeals claims to be certified by and sent to the Board of Veterans Appeals. Currently, when an initial VA claim is denied, a veteran has the choice to appeal the decision. However, in order to do this, he or she must enter into a lengthy and inefficient process, which has forced many veterans to wait years before receiving a final decision. The deadline imposed by the Congressman’s legislation would ensure timelier processing of veterans’ appeals.

“Our veterans deserve the utmost care and service,” continued Latta. “The VA has been plagued with unacceptable wait times and lengthy delays, and this legislation would streamline the process through which veterans can appeal their claims, so they can receive the benefits they’ve earned.”

Both pieces of legislation come after the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday approved the Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 3230, bipartisan legislation that would provide real solutions for our veterans and hold the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accountable to all Americans. The U.S. Senate is also expected to approve the Conference Report soon.

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