CRS Issue Statement on Veterans' Benefits
Abstract
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) are the largest sustained ground combat missions undertaken by the United States since the Vietnam War. Over 1.7 million servicemembers have been deployed to these two theaters of operation. Since FY2002, more than 1.0 million OEF and OIF veterans have left active duty making them potentially eligible for benefits and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Obama Administration has begun the process of drawing down forces from Iraq and surging the number of combat forces in Afghanistan. These factors will have a continued impact on VA health care, disability, education, vocational rehabilitation, employment and housing benefits. The 2nd Session of the 111th Congress will continue to focus on the treatment and compensation of this latest generation of veterans as well as aging veterans from previous conflicts. Many taskforces and commissions have identified challenges faced by the Department of Defense (DOD) and the VA in coordinating care and evaluating disabilities for servicemembers and veterans returning from OIF and OEF theaters of operations. The 2nd Session of the 111th Congress will continue to provide oversight on seamless transition efforts currently underway by both departments. Key to the success of this effort is VA's ability to forecast usage of veterans benefits (and therefore assess the need for additional staffing and resources), to improve the VA?s efficiency, and to maximize its coordination with DOD as well as with other federal agencies. Policy questions, therefore, center on questions such as: How will VA improve the accuracy and timeliness of its forecasts so that Congress is able to appropriate resources in a timely manner?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 13, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA513272
Entities
People
- Sidath Viranga
Organizations
- Library of Congress