Summary
A panel of judges did not approve a request from Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins to pause the processing of veterans' benefit appeals during a government shutdown. The VA wanted to stop cases because it expects to run out of funds, but the court decided all cases should continue. This decision affects veterans waiting on benefits decisions.
Key Facts
- Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins asked to pause appeals for veterans' benefits during a federal shutdown.
- The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims denied the request to halt operations.
- Judges stated that stopping these cases was a major request and not justified.
- From October 2023 to 2024, 8,937 appeals were filed, with decisions taking about 222 days on average.
- The VA claimed it would run out of money for appeals work by October 28, and attorneys were not considered essential.
- The VA can try to file the motion again if the situation changes.
- Delaying appeals would have postponed financial support for veterans if their claims succeeded.
