WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, held a hearing today on improving the appeals process of the veterans' disability compensation system.  This was the first hearing this Session on reforming veterans' disability compensation, following a series of hearings Akaka held on the topic in 2008. 

"The appeals process has many shortcomings, and veterans are not always receiving the timely and quality decisions they deserve.  Veterans deserve fair and accessible opportunities to appeal what they consider to be an unfair ruling on disability claims.  Today's hearing showed that there is significant room for progress.  The Committee will continue to work to improve this situation," said Akaka.

The full witness list can be viewed here: link

Chairman Akaka's opening statement can be viewed here: link

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February 11, 2009