"Over the past three years, we have held several hearings to improve the GI Bill," Ranking Member John Boozman (R-Ark.) said. "The GI Bill provides veterans and surviving dependents an opportunity to improve their financial status. We must continue to find ways to perfect the program, especially for members of the National Guard and Reserves who play a huge role in the War on Terrorism."
Boozman voiced concern that approximately thirty percent of those eligible do not use the benefit simply because they are unaware of the types of education and training that are available. He added that the steps veterans must take to use their GI Bill benefits should be as simple as possible.
"If we can’t get veterans more money, we should at least cut some of the red tape involved in getting checks to them," Boozman said. "I am eager to see the VA's report on streamlining that was due back in July."
Boozeman commended VA for reducing waiting times for payments. "Last year, VA averaged about forty-three days to process an original claim, Boozeman said. "Today it averages about twenty-three days. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the VA to reduce the waiting times even further."
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