Veterans Affairs faces scrutiny over 155-day wait times for San Diego veterans benefits

The U.S. House Committee on Veterans' Affairs held an oversight hearing on December 12, 2024, focusing on the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity and the pressing issue of wait times for veterans seeking services through the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the current average wait time of 155 days in San Diego, which far exceeds the targeted 60-day standard.

During the hearing, committee members expressed frustration over the prolonged delays that veterans face, with some waiting up to 18 months for initial appointments. Lawmakers questioned the effectiveness of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in addressing these issues, emphasizing that such wait times are unacceptable and detrimental to veterans' access to essential services.

The VA representatives acknowledged the challenges, citing a growing caseload and difficulties in recruiting qualified staff as contributing factors to the delays. They mentioned efforts to deploy additional staff to regional offices and implement a six-point plan aimed at improving efficiency and reducing wait times. However, they could not provide a definitive timeline for achieving the 60-day target, stating that speculation would be inappropriate given the current circumstances.

Committee members urged the VA to develop a clear roadmap detailing the steps necessary to improve service delivery, including enhancements in staffing, technology, and internal processes. They stressed the importance of timely access to benefits for veterans, particularly those with service-related disabilities, and called for immediate action to rectify the situation.

The hearing concluded with a commitment from the VA to provide further updates and a detailed plan to address the ongoing issues. Lawmakers reiterated their dedication to ensuring that veterans receive the support they deserve in a timely manner, highlighting the critical nature of the VR&E program in facilitating successful transitions to civilian life.