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California, Feds Strike Deal to Help Veterans

For the first time, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will open its doors and records so a newly created state strike force can help chisel away at a daunting backlog of claims that is costing California veterans millions of dollars in lost benefits every year.

For the first time, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will open its doors and records so a newly created state strike force can help chisel away at a daunting backlog of claims that is costing California veterans millions of dollars in lost benefits every year.

The federal agency and California Department of Veterans Affairs on Wednesday plan to sign a memorandum of understanding that will formally recognize a new era of cooperation designed to overcome the bureaucratic hurdles that have prevented thousands of veterans from receiving disability pay in a timely manner.

The agreement will clear the way for three, 12-person state teams to gain unprecedented direct entry to pending applications at federal offices in San Diego, Oakland and Los Angeles.

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
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