Lance Commends Notable Improvements at Veterans Administration

Press Release

Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) issued the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs released new data showing improved and shortened wait times for health care appointments. Lance was a proponent of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act overhauling the V.A. which made significant reforms to the V.A. system including record funding and the option for veterans to seek private care. Over 94% of New Jersey V.A. health care appointments are scheduled in less than 30 days.

"Important reforms at the V.A. are making a positive difference, but we're not going to rest on this progress. Congress will continue vigorous oversite of the V.A. to ensure the unacceptable conditions veterans faced a few short years ago do not return. My office should be considered a resource for veterans to advocate on their behalf for care and seek the benefits they have earned," said Lance.

Lance's constituent casework managers have successfully closed over 5,000 casework matters, many related to veterans' care and related benefits and compensation. Residents with questions should contact Lance's Westfield District Office at (908) 518-7733 with any questions.

Notable V.A. Improvements:

Between June 1, 2014, and Oct. 1, 2018, the electronic wait list (EWL) went from 56,271 appointments to 15,552, which is a 72 percent reduction.
When compared with the Oct. 1, 2017, pending appointments data set, the Oct. 1, 2018, pending appointment data set shows VA has increased the number of overall pending appointments by 1,072,170.
From fiscal year (FY) 2016 to FY 2017, community care appointments increased 6 percent, from 30.8 million to 32.7 million. See all: DR103.102018.Public Data PDF Pending Appointments_PDFReady.pdf

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