I understand that VSOs play an important role and help many Veterans and families. But in my personal experience, I still found myself navigating a confusing, fragmented VBA process largely on my own — and that should not happen in a system this important.

No grieving (or non-grieving) family should have to figure out:

-which department handles what
-which form goes to which office             
-whether different parts of the same system even communicate
-or whether they need to submit the same packet multiple times just to make sure it is seen

This is exactly why I keep pushing for reform.

The system needs:

-fewer forms
-less duplication                                          
-better communication between departments
-one integrated record and submission process          
-duplicate flagging                                                                                                                    
-and trauma-informed design that does not force grieving families and caregivers to retell, re-upload, and re-prove the same facts over and over again

Veterans and their families should not have to become case managers, claims coordinators, records specialists, and legal assistants just to navigate one death, one claim, or one appeal.

Un-silo it.

Consolidate it.

Modernize it.

Make it make sense…. Common sense. 

#TheConnAct #VAReform #VBA #VeteransDeserveBetter #DIC #BurialBenefits #ClaimsReform