The change will reduce veterans’ unfavorable debt reports by 99%
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it has implemented new guidelines for processing benefits and medical debt for veterans in accordance with provisions of legislation introduced and passed by Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01). The legislation Pappas introduced was included in the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 and signed into law by former President Trump.
Specifically, the VA has adjusted its threshold for reporting benefit and medical debt held by veterans to consumer reporting agencies (CRA), which can have disastrous financial consequences on veterans. The adjustment in VA methodology will reduce unfavorable debt reports to consumer reporting agencies by 99%.
"Those who have worn the uniform of this country and sworn an oath to give everything, up to and including their lives, for this country should not be burdened by debt when their service ends," said Congressman Chris Pappas. "All too often I met veterans in my district who were crippled by debt they owed to the VA, often through no fault of their own. That is unconscionable, and it's why I introduced legislation to ensure that the financial futures of our heroes are not crushed by debt, especially during the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. I'm pleased to see that the Department of Veterans Affairs has implemented provisions of my legislation to address this issue and I remain committed to advocating for veterans in New Hampshire and across the country."
During the height of the pandemic, Pappas fought to pause VA debt collection for veterans who were hit hard by the economic downturn of COVID-19.
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