New Mexico Senate Bill SJM11

New Mexico 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Report Pass: 2/24/23
• Engrossed: 2/28/23
• Report Pass: 3/7/23
• Enrolled: 3/12/23
• Passed: 3/14/23

Caption

Veterans Affairs Disability Rating System

Impact

The resolution seeks to reform how the Department of Veterans Affairs processes disability ratings, which have been reported to take months and sometimes years, particularly for veterans with terminal conditions. SJM11 aims to establish a standard where disability determinations should be completed within ninety days, with expedited reviews for claims revolving around terminal illness or those placed in hospice care. This initiative points towards enhancing the support for veterans and ensuring that they receive the benefits they are entitled to without bureaucratic delays.

Summary

SJM11, a Senate Joint Memorial introduced by Craig W. Brandt, addresses the significant delays in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs' disability rating system. This bill urges Congress to investigate these delays and calls for timely determinations in the disability ratings for veterans. It highlights the challenges faced by veterans, particularly those who have suffered injuries or health problems related to their military service, and emphasizes the necessary improvements in the rating process for disability compensation.

Contention

While SJM11 garners support for addressing the needs of veterans, there may be contention regarding the feasibility of enforcing timely rating determinations. Although the intentions of the bill to improve the efficiency of claims processing are commendable, challenges may arise relating to the resources and infrastructure of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Opponents of similar reforms often argue about the existing workload and potential for underfunding, which could complicate the swift implementation of such policies.