Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy updated American Legion Family members on the president’s priorities for veterans.
Army veteran Drew Trojanowski returned to his hometown of Phoenix from deployment in Afghanistan in 2013.
“The process of transitioning back to civilian life was a challenge that didn’t go as smooth as I would have liked it to be,” Trojanowski said. “Little did I know that I was at the epicenter of the VA crisis that rocked the nation.”
That inspired Trojanowski to pursue a career in veteran advocacy, which has led him to be the Special Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy. He updated American Legion Family members on the president’s priorities for veterans during the Commander’s Call Feb. 26 at the annual Washington Conference.
He focused his presentation on “VA’s transition to meet the needs of today’s 21st century veterans,” which included an update on electronic health records, appeals reform and the Mission Act implementation.
The Department of Defense “and VA will now finally share the same electronic health records so that your medical records will no longer get lost and you will get the benefits that you have earned,” he said.
On the topic of appeals reform, Trojanowski said that veterans deserve to get their appeals heard “simply, transparently and fairly.” He noted that the previous process averaged up to seven years to process an appeal.
“In 2017, with The American Legion’s help, we passed the Appeals Modernization Act,” he said. “And VA fully implemented this law just last week. Instead of waiting years for an appeal, the average is now 130 days and nearly a quarter of a billion dollars have been paid out.”
Also notable, he said, is that for the first time since 1945 VA is updating its claims process. “What that means is that the processing of claims will be done faster than ever before.”
Trojanowski also credited The American Legion for its role in ushering in the Harry Colmery Forever GI Bill. The updated law is named after the former American Legion national commander who drafted the original legislation that Congress approved in 1944.
“For the first time in the history of the GI Bill servicemembers will be able to use this benefit for the entirety of their lifetimes, as well as those who have shed blood for this nation,” he said. “If you have earned a Purple Heart, you also will be able to access your GI benefits in perpetuity.”
Trojanowski also discussed the Choice Act.
“Veterans have earned the right to choose the most immediate health care available to them without a long wait,” he said. “This administration worked directly with a bipartisan Congress to pass the Mission Act which will overhaul the problems of the current Choice program and transform VA into a 21st century integrated health-care system.”
Trojanowski noted that veterans in rural areas should not be immune from proper care. “Veterans from every corner of the U.S. need and desire community care,” he said, noting the need for a national strategy to address the suicide rate among veterans, which is estimated to be 22 each day. “A crucial area of focus is behavorial health and in particular mental health.”
In conclusion, he asked for the Legion’s continued support.
“I look forward to working with you on all of these endeavors, as I remain inspired to do my best on behalf of our nation’s veterans, I ask that you remain diligent as well. Not just for those who are in this room and your peers who could not make it today but for the next generation of warriors who that will eventually join your ranks.”
- Washington Conference