PITTSBURGH — Channel 11 has learned Pittsburgh is among the worst cities for processing veterans' disability claims, and Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey has unveiled legislation he said is the answer.
A senate taskforce that took a closer look at the backlog said Pittsburgh is in the top 10 cities, out of 54, with slowest rate of processing claims.
More than 7,000 people in the area are waiting for the VA to consider their claims.
The VA receives about 676 new claims every month.
Casey said the drawdown of troops of Afghanistan, the VA must work quickly to help those coming home.
"Tens of thousands of soldiers are coming home and moving from being a solider to being veteran, so the numbers are great now, but the numbers are going to continue to be high unless we deal with it," said Casey.
Casey authored the 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery act.
It would overhaul the entire submission process and boost funding for more training.
No word yet on when the Senate might consider legislation.
WPXI
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