Washington, May 7 - Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) today introduced a bill to make it easier for wounded soldiers to qualify for veterans’ disability benefits they deserve. 

The Compensation for Combat Veterans Act would eliminate requirements stipulating that soldiers injured in combat zones must provide official military documentation proving they were injured in a specific battle before qualifying for disability benefits. 

“Common sense doesn’t have to be lost in the fog of war,” Braley said.  “If an American veteran has been injured in a combat zone, they shouldn’t have to find proof of their injuries like a detective cracking a case.  Our injured troops should get the benefits they deserve, without delay.

“The Compensation for Combat Veterans Act will make it easier for wounded warriors to get the disability benefits they deserve by removing unnecessary bureaucratic red tape from the Veterans Administration.”

VA documentation barriers often cause unnecessary delays in providing veterans with the benefits they deserve and, in some cases, prevent combat veterans from receiving compensation for their disabilities altogether.  Currently, injured veterans must produce combat medals, unit reports, or even news reports as “official documentation” of their involvement in a battle before they’re awarded benefits.

Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.  The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee is holding a hearing on Akaka’s legislation today.