U.S.

VETS LAWSUIT MOVING FORWARD

By Pia Malbran

January 11, 2008 / 5:08 PM EST / CBS News

(AP/CBS)

A U.S. District judge announced yesterday that a class action lawsuit that would force the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to end long wait times and provide better medical care and disability benefits for veterans can move forward and go to trial.

On July 23, 2007 two vet advocacy groups – Veterans for Common Sense and Veterans United for Truth – filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of all veterans with pending PTSD claims, regardless of what war they served which includes between 500,000 and 1.2 million veterans. The lawsuit claims there are several flaws in the VA system including the complaint that veterans can do little if a benefit claim is rejected.

In response, the VA asked that the lawsuit be dismissed. But, on Thursday U.S. District Judge Samuel Conti ruled the suit would not be set aside. ( Click here to see a copy of the ruling.)

"I am very pleased with the judge's decision," said Paul Sullivan, Executive Director of Veterans for Common Sense. "The court has shaken the foundation of the VA. [The Agency] is now on notice that veterans have rights and veterans will get our day in court."

The first court hearing will be held February 22.