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Veterans
The men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces have paid the price for all of us. We cannot forget their sacrifices that make our freedoms possible. The commitment in Congress to meeting the needs of America’s veterans is strong. This commitment to America's veterans is reflected in the substantial and important progress made in the recent years. The number of veterans on VA's medical long-term waiting lists has been reduced by 99 percent, from more than 300,000 in 2002 to around 3,000 today. In another example of progress, the GI Bill educational benefit was boosted by 46 percent since 2001 due to legislation passed in the last four years. I am proud to have supported legislation in 2003 that expanded full concurrent receipt to Purple Heart veterans and those with combat-related disabilities, including members of the National Guard and Reservists. It also expanded it to the most disabled of the remaining military retirees who are 50 percent or more disabled. Concurrent receipt eliminates the offset in the retirement pay for military retirees’ by Veterans Affairs disability income. While this plan does not completely resolve the situation, it represents the largest step forward since the offset was first enacted in 1890. Over just the past four years, funding for the Veterans Health Administration has increased nearly 40 percent and total funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs has increased about 50 percent. In addition, the Department of Veterans Affairs has taken positive steps to expand the facilities available to veterans in West Michigan. While significant achievements have been made in providing local health facilities and providing greater access for veterans, more is needed. Veterans should not have to drive hours to receive the care that they need and deserve. To improve access, I also support allowing veterans who visit their local doctor to be reimbursed, especially if they live rural areas a long distance from the nearest VA facility. I look forward to continuing to work to ensure that the men and women who have served, are serving or will serve in the U.S. military receive the compensation and assistance they deserve.
Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Facility Locator
Related
Documents:
Press Release
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Office of Congressman Hoekstra to Host Event on Helping Veterans Secure Medals
11.21.2008
Press Release
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Hoekstra to Present Several Area Veterans with Medals in Front of the USS LST 393
8.21.2008
Press Release
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Hoekstra Votes for Bill Supporting Troops, Veterans Education Benefits, Unemployment Insurance
6.19.2008
Press Release
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Office of Rep. Hoekstra to Help Veterans Secure Medals, Host Local West Point Student
3.10.2008
Press Release
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Office of Rep. Hoekstra, VFW Post 446 to Help Veterans Secure Medals
1.22.2008
More Documents...
Related Files:
VA Notification Letter
VA Statement
Veterans Q&A;
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