Dear Neighbor,

Happy New Year! Our veterans in Florida's Third Congressional District continue to be at the top of my priority list in 2024. Our team has many plans in the works to continue supporting our heroes, and I hope you'll read below to learn more about what's in store. 

Last year, our team succeeded in passing meaningful pieces of legislation! While there are still ongoing goals to accomplish, I assure you that I work to champion your voice through passionate advocacy and substantial policy changes. 

In the upcoming year, the Board of Veterans Appeals is a big-ticket item on our team's agenda, along with finding solutions to end the often slow and problematic process of navigating the VA. We are also working to expedite surviving spouse claims, knowing how arduous this process can be within a broken system. 

This past year, the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee held a hearing to ask the VA about implementing suggested improvements provided by the Government Accountability Office and congressional offices nationwide. Sadly, the VA said nothing could be done to change the work they're already doing. While disappointed at their lack of urgency for emergent issues, I promise to continue working with the committee and my constituents to hold the VA accountable.

Team Kat works hard for our veterans because you answered the call to serve. On behalf of all of us, thank you for having served with honor and distinction. We will accomplish our goals by leaning into the hard challenges, not only because it's the right thing to do, but because we know solutions are out there. 

As we enter 2024, we want to hear from you and hear your ideas to improve the VA. Let's get to work.

With all that's happening this Congress, it is my greatest honor to represent you and hear from you about the issues that matter most. You can read below about what we've been up to this week, and as always, you can stay up to date with us here, on our website, and on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

For the Republic,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack                                                                                Proudly Representing Florida's Third Congressional District

D.C. Legislative Update

My legislative team is working hard on pieces of legislation that will positively impact veterans in Florida's Third Congressional District in 2024 and beyond. H.R. 1139 is a bill I've co-sponsored, led by Representative Chris Pappas of New Hampshire.

H.R. 1139: GUARD VA Benefits Act

• GUARD VA Benefits Act stands for Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding Veterans Affairs Benefits. The GUARD VA Benefits Act aims to protect veterans who are filing benefit claims from unaccredited representatives charging unauthorized fees and engaging in predatory practices.
• Unaccredited claims representatives, or claim sharks, are not subject to VA standards. They strategically advertise their services to avoid regulatory oversight and as a result, may engage in predatory and unethical practices that target veterans and rob them of their VA benefits. The GUARD Act would reinstate criminal penalties for these illegal practices, with offenses punishable by fine.

Accessing VA Care With Telehealth

VA Telehealth brings you the care you need, wherever you are!

With video telehealth visits, you can save time and talk face-to-face with your doctor. It can be difficult to use telehealth if you don’t have internet or a video-capable device at home, but the VA is working to bridge this digital divide. Click below to read how the VA can help get you connected.

Non-Adherence To Requirements For Processing Gulf War Illness Claims Led To Premature Decisions

A staff-led review done by the Office of Audits and Evaluations determined the VBA improperly processed Gulf War illness disability claims in accordance with VA regulatory requirements.

Gulf War illness refers to a group of unexplained or ill-defined chronic symptoms found in veterans deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. The OIG found the VBA's Gulf War illness claims process did not ensure all requirements were met before claims processors decided disability compensation claims. As a result, VBA prematurely decided an estimated 3,200 of the 13,800 Gulf War illness claims (23 percent) completed from October 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022. This led to at least $5.1 million in improper overpayments. 

There were five recommendations made to update instructions, definitions, and diagnostic criteria, and these updates have been provided to examiners to clarify the needed regulatory requirements that must be met to award benefits.

Fire Watch

The Fire Watch Project launched in Northeast Florida and is now available statewide. 

Fire Watch has created The Watch Stander Program. This program mobilizes 10,000+ community members to be vigilant to the concerns of veterans and direct them to the support they need. To be a Watch Stander, those interested must watch 2 - 3 short training videos, read the guide of resources (to learn what resources are available to veterans), and sign a pledge. Once you become a Watch Stander, you can use your new tools to get out there—on social media, in networking groups, and in-person—to stand watch and to save lives.

Click below to learn more!

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