The increase in the number of judges from seven to nine is expected to enhance the court's capacity to handle a growing number of claims being brought by veterans. By expanding the judicial bench, the act aims to alleviate the time veterans currently spend waiting for a resolution on their appeals. This bill is considered critical by advocates for veterans' affairs, who have raised concerns about prolonged wait times that can significantly impact the well-being of veterans receiving essential benefits.
Summary
SB897, formally known as the Expedite Veteran Appeals Act of 2023, is legislation aimed at increasing the efficiency of the appeals process for veterans seeking benefits. The primary objective of this bill is to amend title 38 of the United States Code to make a permanent increase in the number of judges presiding over the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. This change is proposed to address the backlog of cases and facilitate a more prompt resolution of veterans’ appeals.
Contention
While the bill is largely viewed as a positive step towards improving the judicial response to veterans' appeals, there may be contention regarding the allocation of federal resources necessary to support this increase in judicial positions. Critics might argue that simply increasing the number of judges does not address the root causes of delays, such as insufficient staffing in the support roles surrounding the court's operations or the quality of case handling at earlier stages in the appeal process. As such, there may be calls for a more comprehensive approach to veterans' services that include both judicial and administrative reforms.
Related
To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for an increase in the maximum number of judges who may be appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.