Congress finalizes VA appeals reform overhaul

Federal Times: WASHINGTON — House lawmakers have finalized sweeping reforms to how veterans disability appeals claims are handled, potentially trimming years off the process once the changes are put in place.

The bill is the third major piece of veterans legislation in the last month sent to President Donald Trump to become law. On Saturday, he signed legislation funding the Veterans Affairs Choice program into early 2018. He’s expected to do the same in coming days with legislation expanding eligibility for post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

The appeals reform measure was passed by the Senate on its last day of work before summer recess, and quietly finalized by the House during a pro forma Friday.

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