WC Wisconsin News

Congressman Derrick Van Orden, Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, has written a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough. The Congressman urges the VA Secretary to reinstate in-person verification methods and travel reimbursement kiosks at VA facilities in Wisconsin’s Third District. This move comes after multiple veteran constituents contacted Van Orden, expressing their concerns and difficulties in filing for disability compensation and travel reimbursements following the removal of accessibility resources from their respective VA facilities.

In his letter, Congressman Van Orden stated, “Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District is both highly rural and home to a large percentage of Korean and Vietnam-era veterans. While newer generations of veterans may be comfortable doing more online, for many who are less technologically inclined, have limited access to broadband internet or lack an internet-connected mobile device, this verification process can be difficult.”

Van Orden further emphasized that veterans should have the freedom to choose from the most secure, federally compliant sign-on option that best suits their needs, technological capabilities, and personal preferences.

“All veterans, especially senior veterans, should not have to suffer the consequences of the federal government trying to solve problems that are not there to begin with,” said Congressman Van Orden. He pointed out that the removal of travel reimbursement kiosks and in-person verification methods has unnecessarily complicated what used to be basic tasks for veterans. Therefore, he called on Secretary McDonough to reinstate these services at Wisconsin’s VA facilities.

Earlier this year, Rep. Van Orden questioned representatives from VA on the removal of the travel reimbursement kiosks during a House Veterans’ Affairs Committee meeting.

The full text of Congressman Van Orden's letter is available upon request.