Dear Friend,

Western North Carolina is home to thousands of veterans, and my team and I work every day to support them. From helping veterans recover VA benefits to advancing legislation that protects them and their families, we’re focused on delivering results.

                                             Veterans Administration Updates

The VA is making progress. In FY2025, the VA processed a record 3 million disability claims, extended early-morning, evening, and weekend appointments, expanded access to non-VA providers, and made a historic $4.8 billion investment in health care facilities nationwide. When the system still falls short, my office bridges the gap.

Housing for veterans has been a top priority for the administration. Last year, the VA permanently housed 51,936 homeless veterans — the highest total in seven years. I will keep fighting to ensure every veteran in NC-11 has access to the housing, healthcare, and support they’ve earned.

                                Advancing Support for Veterans and Their Families

I’ve advanced legislation to protect veterans and their families, including the Justice for America’s Veterans and Survivors Act, which passed in the House as part of the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Act. This legislation requires the VA to report veteran deaths, including suicides, so families receive proper recognition and benefits. The VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act ensures veterans with mental health-related service-connected disabilities receive proactive, personalized support.

​Veterans returning from service need a support system they can count on. That’s why I introduced the VET Connect Act earlier this year, bipartisan legislation that directs the VA to establish a secure, privacy-preserving database and messaging platform enabling veterans to reconnect with fellow service members based on shared service history.

Veterans can search by unit, deployment, and dates of service, with full control over their privacy settings. After leaving the military, many veterans go from a strong, built-in community to civilian life where that connection can be lost, which can contribute to isolation and mental health challenges. This legislation helps veterans stay connected with the people who understand their experiences best.

                                  Delivering for Western North Carolina Veterans

Since 2023, my team has closed 558 VA cases for Western North Carolina veterans and recovered $2,914,354 in benefits, including $111,486 since the start of the year. 

In the last three months, we’ve helped 36 veterans navigate the VA system, cutting through delays to get them the care and benefits they deserve. Each case represents a veteran who was stuck, frustrated, and needed help. If that’s you, please know we’re eager to step in. If you or a veteran you know needs assistance, call my office at 865-EDWARDS. No veteran should have to fight alone.

Sincerely,

Chuck Edwards
Member of Congress