releases: https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4584d8bc-5d3a-40f2-9999-5a7a4b3f4f6f
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ContentRecord_id=4584d8bc-5d3a-40f2-9999-5a7a4b3f4f6f | Heller Files Amendments to Speed up Veteran Disability Claims Process | 2013-11-20 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Republican | House | NV | Dean Heller | H001041 | www.heller.senate.gov | legacy | (Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) filed two amendments to S.1197, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Both amendments would speed up the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims process and ensure that veterans receive the benefits they earned and deserve in a timely manner. “It’s important that Congress takes care of our nation’s veterans by fulfilling the promises made to them. Unfortunately, in Nevada, we have one of the highest disability claims backlogs in the country. Our current disability claims processing system is broken and has been an ongoing issue that severely impacts our heroes and their families,” said Senator Dean Heller. “After everything our veterans have been through and after all the sacrifices they have made, it is unacceptable for them to have to wait long periods of time for their benefits. The Senate should act quickly on these amendments.” Background: HAIMS Implementation Amendment (SA 2311) To process a veteran’s claim, the VA must obtain records from the Department of Defense (DOD). In an effort to speed up the process, the DOD is developing an electronic system, the Health Artifact and Image Management Solution (HAIMS). This system will electronically deliver critical records to the VA. Implementation of HAIMS will ensure that veterans receive a decision on their claim in a timely manner. This amendment would: Set a deadline for the DOD to implement HAIMS within 6 months. Require the DOD to issue a report on the success of HAIMS implementation and the effect on the VA’s claims processing system. DOD/VA Transfer of Records Amendment (SA 2310) According to a 2012 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, one of the reasons that the veterans disability claims backlog is so high is that the VA is not receiving certain records it needs from the DOD in a timely manner. Heller’s amendment directs to the DOD to respond to a VA request for records needed to process a claim within 30 days. If the record cannot be transferred in 30 days, the DOD can request a 30-day extension. If they don’t respond within 60 days, they must report to the VA with the reason for the delay and when the requested record will be provided. PDF copies of both amendments are below. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |