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TVC teams move forward to assist the VA in processing over 68,000 backlogged disability claims

AUSTIN – Today the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) announced that the "State Strike Force Teams," directed by Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker of the House Joe Straus, are being assembled to assist in reducing the federal backlog of over 68,000 disability claims at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Houston and Waco Regional Offices.

During a hearing of the Texas Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, chaired by Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, TVC officials testified that since January 2010, the total pending caseload in Texas has more than doubled from over 50,934 claims and 15,644 appeals to 107,279 claims and 28,183 appeals as of July 2012, with 68,612 claims pending over 125 days.

The State of Texas is committing $1.5 million for the State Strike Force Teams, which will be modeled after the successful Claims Processing Assistance Teams that the state piloted in 2009. As a result of the Strike Force Teams' efforts, more than 17,000 Texas Veterans and their families will receive their Veteran disability compensation and pension payments earlier than expected.

"By creating the State Strike Force Teams, Gov. Perry, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst, and Speaker Straus have taken one of the boldest and most meaningful actions to help Texas Veterans and their families in the history of the state," said Thomas Palladino, Executive Director of the Texas Veterans Commission. "This action should serve as a model to other states and a call to the VA to increase the level of support to its regional offices in Texas."