Veterans Wait For Benefits Because Of Backlog

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota's Sen. Al Franken is pushing for legislation that would help ease the back log of claims filed by veterans who are in need of benefits.

Franken, along with Rep. Tim Walz, are trying to find ways to make the process more efficient.

Franken said proposed change would allow doctors outside the Veteran Affairs system to treat and diagnose veterans.

"These are men and women who have put everything on the line for us, and we sent them into war and it's our job to take care of them if they come back with disabilities," Franken said.

Franken says nearly 500,000 benefit claims are stuck, caught up in a back log, forcing many to wait months for help.