Dallas City Wire

WASHINGTON – On August 8, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) sent a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough requesting information regarding recent reports by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) detailing racial and ethnic disparities with the Department of Veteran Affairs’ (VA) compensation with disability benefits. Of particular concern is the Department's low-approval rate for non-Hispanic Black Veterans, which from 2010-2020 was 61% versus 75% for White veterans.

Crockett writes, "As a member of Congress representing a district whose population is roughly 40% Black and also houses the Dallas VA Medical Center, I am deeply troubled by the impact of what this report means for constituents like mine...While we applaud the amazing work VA has done to ensure that our veterans receive the compensation they are due, these reports indicate more work must be done for the VA to fulfill its duties to our service women and men."

Crockett requests Secretary McDonough respond to several questions regarding these disparities and what steps, if any, are being taken to review past cases that may have been erroneously denied.

The letter can be viewed here

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Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett represents portions of Dallas and Tarrant Counties, with the cities of Dallas, Grand Prairie, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Wilmer, Arlington, Ovilla, and Seagoville.

Original source can be found here.