1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the ongoing issues veterans are facing in accessing the care and benefits they deserve through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). While the PACT Act was a critical step toward expanding care for veterans exposed to toxic substances, many veterans have reported significant challenges in navigating the system to actually receive the benefits the law was intended to provide. One of the major failures of the VA has been the design of its websites and online tools, which are essential for veterans to file claims. These websites are often difficult to use, and in some cases, they appear to be designed in ways that prevent veterans from logging in and filing claims successfully. This digital barrier is particularly concerning for older veterans and those with disabilities, who may have limited access to technology or experience challenges in navigating complex online systems. Additionally, there has been a lack of availability and accessibility when it comes to customer service. Veterans who are trying to resolve issues or get answers are often met with long wait times, inadequate support, and in some cases, no response at all. This is unacceptable, as our veterans deserve timely and efficient assistance when seeking the care they need. The problems with the VA's systems, combined with the lack of customer service, mean that many veterans are left without the care and support that they are entitled to under the PACT Act. These issues directly undermine the intent of the legislation, and immediate action is needed to hold the VA accountable for ensuring that every veteran can access the benefits they have earned. I urge you to hold the VA accountable and to push for reforms that improve the functionality of the VA’s online systems, expand customer service support, and remove barriers that prevent veterans from receiving the care they deserve. Veterans have already sacrificed so much for our country, and it is our duty to ensure that they are treated with the respect and dignity they have earned. Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to hearing about the steps you will take to address these critical issues.