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VA benefits nominee stresses claims modernization, vows timely, accurate benefits
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Summary
At a Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee hearing, nominee Dr. Karen Bridal highlighted digital modernization, workforce review and a push for clearer claims communications as priorities for the Veterans Benefits Administration.
VA Undersecretary for Benefits nominee Dr. Karen Bridal told the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs that she would prioritize modernizing claims systems and delivering benefits "timely and accurately" if confirmed. The hearing, convened by Chairman Moran, focused on backlog reductions, modernization plans and how the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) communicates with veterans.
Bridal said the VA has reduced the backlog in disability compensation claims by more than 37% since January and that for fiscal 2025 the VA is processing claims nearly 18% faster than in fiscal 2024. "We will ensure that every veteran is provided the benefits they've earned timely and accurately," she told the committee.
Why it matters: The VBA administers disability and pension benefits, education and home loan programs and transition services; delays and unclear communications can leave veterans and survivors without expected payments. Committee members pressed Bridal on specific reforms and implementation risks, including digitizing forms, establishing a single foundational data object for veteran records, and ensuring a human remains "at the beginning and end" of any automated process.
Bridal described concrete modernization targets she would pursue if confirmed: reducing repetitive paperwork by allowing veterans to submit discharge documents once for use across systems, digitizing long paper forms (she cited a VA notice form that includes 15 pages, six pages of instructions), and deploying automation and real‑time dashboards to speed intake and oversight. She told senators she managed acquisition and enterprise portfolios in prior roles and had overseen a $30,000,000,000 portfolio and a workforce of more than 12,000 professionals while serving as VA chief acquisition officer and acting assistant secretary for enterprise integration.
Committee members asked about quality and transparency as claims volumes fall. Senator Blumenthal warned that faster processing has coincided with an increase in higher‑level review requests and asked Bridal to explain the inputs and safeguards that would preserve decision quality. Bridal said she would do a full assessment of claims processes, workforce needs and transparency measures if confirmed, and emphasized workforce strengthening and veteran‑centered reform.
The nominee agreed to provide further written responses to committee questions and to engage with senators as she assumes the post. Chairman Moran invited members to submit questions for the record; Bridal and the committee agreed she will return follow‑up material as requested.
Ending: The committee did not vote during the hearing. Senators from both parties pressed for specifics on timelines, workforce plans and measurable outreach goals; Bridal said she would provide requested data and implement a review of current claims and outreach practices after confirmation.
