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Two New Veterans Bills Pass Through The House Committee

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) was able to successfully negotiate the passage of 2 new bills through the House Veterans Affairs Committee, upon which he serves as Vice Chairman. The Sunshine State News reports Rep. Bilirakis introduced both bills which have some connection to veterans disability compensation claims and other VA issues.

The first bill is HR 1826. If passed, this bill will provide criminal penalties on those charging veterans unlawful and unofficial fees related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims. This legislation will close a federal level "loophole" in the system that has made it possible for illegitimate and unscrupulous companies to take money from veterans. Under HR 1826, persons engaging in this would face either 1 year in prison or fines or both. According to Rep. Bilirakis, "crooked practices must be stopped, and this enforcement mechanism is a critical first step."

HR 2274 is Rep. Bilirakis' second bill, and works to "add accountability" to the Post-9/11 GI Bill and its Educational Assistance Program. This bill would provide for the collection of information so as to determine how many veterans are using the educational benefit.

Additionally, the bill would allow for the determination of how much is being expended to fund the benefit, how many credit hours veterans are accruing individually, and what certificates and/or degrees veterans are earning. Rep. Bilirakis believes collecting this information is the only way to ensure veterans' educational benefits are being provided and utilized as "efficiently and effectively" as possible.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.