Metro East Sun

Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, delivered opening remarks today at the subcommittee’s oversight hearing titled, “Examining VA’s Challenges with Ensuring Quality Contracted Disability Compensation Examinations.”

"The subcommittee will come to order," Rep. Luttrell began.

He thanked the witnesses for their presence and stated that the purpose of the hearing was to scrutinize the Department of Veterans Affairs' management of its contract disability compensation examination program. "The decision by a V.A. employee to grant or deny a veteran’s claim for disability compensation often depends on the results of a disability compensation exam," he noted.

Luttrell highlighted that over 90 percent of these exams are conducted by four contracted companies. He emphasized that it is V.A.'s responsibility to ensure these vendors appropriately schedule veterans for exams without redundancy. "Veterans deserve the best customer service and quality exams performed by competent medical professionals," he asserted.

Acknowledging the challenges faced by V.A.’s Medical Disability Examination Office in overseeing large networks, Luttrell stressed the need for maintaining stringent oversight to align with V.A.'s mission and provide deserved services to veterans. He pointed out that this is a competitive industry with contracts valued over $10 billion but underscored that it directly affects veterans' access to benefits.

Luttrell acknowledged improvements made by V.A., including modifications in contracts and new processes resulting from previous oversight hearings. However, he expressed ongoing concerns from veterans and Veteran Service Organizations (V.S.O.s) about scheduling issues, exam rework due to errors, and inconsistent customer service across vendors.

He cited examples where veterans were scheduled for exams without prior notice or had difficulties traveling long distances for an exam. Additionally, some exams were reportedly held in unsuitable locations such as hotels or rundown buildings. Despite these issues being relatively infrequent, they contribute to delays in veterans receiving their benefits.

With increased workloads following the passage of the PACT Act, Luttrell emphasized the importance of improving V.A.'s oversight through potential contract modifications or new processes within current contracts.

"I look forward to the discussion with our witnesses today," he concluded before yielding to Ranking Member Pappas for his opening statement.