"I cannot help but wonder if what we have done is to just create more bureaucracy," said Republican Senator Richard Burr of North Carolina as he addressed the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee in Washington D.C.
Vets in Kern County agree.
"I hate to say it, but I think he's right," said Vietnam veteran Wayne Wright.
Wright is upset that the Integrated Disability Evaluation System isn't living up to its promise to process disability claims within nine months. On average, it's taking more than a year.
"It should take no more than six months," said Wright. "And, six months is a long time to wait once they get into the system."
The Bakersfield Veterans of Foreign Wars organization helps more than 8,000 vets file claims every month. There are more than 125,000 vets in the county.
Wright says it's unforgivable to make them wait on disability claims.
"For us to be able to put people on the moon, and we still can't feed our veterans, get them the assistance that they need in a short period of time, is unforgivable."
