[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 149 (Thursday, September 14, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S4528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PADILLA (for himself and Mr. Braun):
  S. 2803. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to allow for 
the electronic request of certain records, and for other purposes; to 
the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
  Mr. PADILLA. Madam President, I rise to introduce the Wounded Warrior 
Access Act, along with Senator Braun.
  This legislation would streamline the process for veterans to submit 
a claim for benefits by giving them electronic access to their benefit 
claim file.
  This legislation would require the VA to establish and maintain a 
secure online tool or website to enable a veteran or their 
representative to submit a request to receive their claims file, or C-
File, electronically.
  Allowing veterans to access their C-File electronically would allow 
veterans to access their information in a faster and more efficient 
manner.
  When a veteran submits a claim for benefits to the Department of 
Veterans Affairs, VA, a C-File is created. C-Files contain a veteran's 
service records, results of VA exams, additional information submitted 
by the veteran, and any material the VA deems necessary to decide a 
claim,
  Currently, a veteran must travel to a regional VA location or mail in 
a form to request a paper copy of their C-File, slowing down the 
process for individuals to gain access to their information.
  The Wounded Warrior Access Act would require the VA to offer an 
online alternative for veterans to request their C-File. Online 
requests would dramatically modernize the C-File collection, decrease 
processing time, and reduce unnecessary appeals since more veterans 
will have access to all the information the VA used to decide their 
claims, ultimately saving the VA time and money.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact the Wounded 
Warrior Access Act as quickly as possible, and I thank Congressman Pete 
Aguilar for his partnership on this legislation.
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