Full Committee Oversight Hearing

The House Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a full committee oversight hearing on April 16, 2026, focusing on the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) progress in reducing the disability claims backlog. Key procurement-related discussions included the use of automation and artificial intelligence tools to streamline claims processing, the strategic use of mandatory overtime to address surges in workload, and the VA's efforts to improve accuracy and quality in claims adjudication. Witnesses from the VA detailed how technology, workforce management, and leadership focus contributed to a significant reduction in backlog claims, with accuracy rates improving to 94%. However, concerns were raised about rising denial rates, the impact of mandatory overtime on employee burnout, and the need for continuous quality oversight. The committee also discussed the integration of AI tools developed with contractor support, emphasizing that final claim decisions remain under human review. The hearing highlighted ongoing challenges in communication with veterans, appeals processing, and the need for better data sharing between the Department of Defense and VA. No specific contract awards or budget allocations were announced, but the discussion underscored the importance of technology investments and workforce strategies in improving veterans' benefits processing.