Watch Legion testify Dec. 13 on pre-discharge programs for separating servicemembers

American Legion Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division Deputy Director Gerardo Avila will testify before the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs on Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. The hearing, “Pre-Discharge Claims Programs: Are VA and DoD Effectively Serving Separating Military Personnel?,” will be streamed live. Watch the testimony here.

This oversight hearing will examine how the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs are managing the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) and VA’s pre-discharge programs for separating servicemembers.

The American Legion continues to focus on the many challenges facing today’s transitioning servicemembers. The IDES program, while not perfect, has been helpful in reducing the number of days it takes to complete the medical board process, which has drastically reduced the gap from separation date to receipt of benefits. The American Legion supports the idea of having one compensation & pension (C&P) exam and rating decision with the results being accepted by both VA and DoD.

While improvements have been made, The American Legion still has concerns. These include DoD rating individuals placed on the Temporary Disability Retirement List, and a lack of available resources by members of the National Guard and reserves undergoing the IDES process at their home station.