Hagel Urged To Move On ‘Game-Changer’ Agreement

A House panel is calling on Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to follow through on a recent plan to improve disability benefits claims processing for transitioning service members and veterans.

The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on April 12 sent a letter to Hagel addressing the initiative in which the Defense Department would start transferring complete and certified Service Treatment Records to the Veterans Affairs Department. The goal is to have the electronic transfer capabilities implemented by Dec. 31, 2013.

DOD and VA agreed in February 2013 to improve disability benefits claims processing for transitioning service members and veterans.