WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) – chairman and ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) – released the following statements applauding the Senate confirmation of Grant Jaquith and Scott Laurer to be judges for the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

“Veterans deserve fair and timely answers when they appeal decisions regarding their benefits to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims,” said Chairman Moran. “The judicial review provided by the court is critical for making certain veterans get the benefits they have earned. I am pleased the Senate has finally confirmed Grant Jaquith and Scott Laurer to fill the two empty seats on this court. Both nominees are extremely well-qualified and will help the court address the record number of appeals it is expected to receive this year to make certain every veteran has a chance to be heard in a timely manner.”

“Veterans deserve a fair shake when seeking earned benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said Ranking Member Tester. “And when veterans feel wronged, the Court of Appeals of Veterans Claims is there to ensure decisions are made appropriately. Mr. Jaquith and Mr. Laurer have both shown a strong willingness to do the right thing by veterans and ensure they have justice under the law—and I’m glad that my Senate colleagues today agreed that they are fit to carry this weight. I will continue to hold both nominees accountable in carrying out decisions that are rooted in judicial precedent and make good on the promises we’ve made to those who’ve served.”

In FY2019, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims received a record 8,400 appeals, a 77 percent increase from 2009 levels. The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims has been without two of its nine judges since December 2019.

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