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Growing Frustrations Regarding Veteran Administration Benefits Payments To Dental Offices

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Letterhead
October 15, 2025


Mr. Rajdeep Bawa 

8567 Sudley Rd

Manassas, VA  20110-3865


Dear Mr. Bawa:
Thank you for contacting me regarding support for our nation’s veterans. I appreciate hearing from you.


As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I have had the opportunity to meet with and discuss military benefits with servicemembers, veterans, and their families throughout the Commonwealth. Virginia is more connected to the military than any other state: our veterans, active-duty military, National Guard and Reserve members, Department of Defense (DOD) civilian employees, military contractors, and military family members represent a significant portion of our state’s population. We have a responsibility to support our servicemembers and provide them with the means necessary to ensure our nation’s security.


Throughout my time in the Senate, I have worked to reduce unemployment for veterans and military spouses, and to ensure those who serve our nation have access to affordable child care. The first bill I introduced was the Troop Talent Act, which passed as part of the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (FY14 NDAA) and helped active-duty servicemembers receive credentials for skills they had acquired through military training. In 2017, the Senate unanimously passed the Veterans Education Experience Improvement Act, my bipartisan bill that provided resources and training for officials at educational institutions who serve student veterans, helping them achieve positive education outcomes. Additionally, the FY19 NDAA included provisions from two bills I had previously introduced that expanded hiring and career opportunities for military spouses, helped military families afford child care, and addressed the constant transfers and moves military families experience.


I am proud to have supported several bills that reform health care access through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), strengthen care and services at VA facilities, and expand benefits for veterans and their dependents. On August 2, 2022, the Senate passed the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which expands health care and benefits to all veterans with service-connected illnesses resulting from toxic exposure during their military service. The Honoring our PACT Act was signed into law by then-President Joe Biden on August 10, 2022. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I strongly support providing health care to veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances.


Each year, Congress must pass a budget to fund the government. How we spend our money as a nation is a statement of our values and priorities. That’s why every year I advocate for robust funding for the VA State Veterans Home Construction Grant Program, Medical and Prosthetic Research Program, Office of Rural Health, Veterans Homelessness Programs, and other programs and services that support our servicemembers and their communities.


On September 19, 2024, I voted to support the final passage of the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, H.R. 9468. This bipartisan legislation approved $3 billion in supplemental funding for the VA to provide to the Veterans Benefits Administration for compensation, pensions, and readjustment benefits. President Biden signed H.R.9468 into law on September 20, 2024.


In January 2023, Senators Jerry Moran and Jon Tester introduced the bipartisan and bicameral Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, S.141. This legislation expanded access to home- and community-based services (HCBS) for aging veterans. The legislation, of which I was a proud cosponsor, also improved the VA’s overall support for veterans and caregivers of all ages and bolstered pay for health care employees at the VA. On December 16, I was proud to vote to support the Senate passage of S.141, and the legislation was signed into law by President Biden on January 2, 2025.


Virginia owes a great debt of gratitude to our servicemembers. I am committed to ensuring that Virginia’s veterans receive the benefits and assistance they have earned. If you or a family member are a veteran and need help with a federal agency, assistance can be requested on my website at kaine.senate.gov/services/help.


Veterans are one of our nation’s greatest assets, and we need to continue investing in their success after their military service. We have a responsibility to honor the commitment we made to those who have sacrificed so much to protect and defend our country at home and abroad. As a member of both the Armed Services and Budget committees in the Senate, I will carefully examine any proposals and legislation affecting veterans and servicemembers and will continue working to make Virginia a welcoming home for veterans.


Thank you again for contacting me.


Sincerely,


Signature


Tim Kaine
Timothy Michael Kaine
bbawa8567
10/10/2025
I am writing on behalf of Bawa Dentistry a dental practice that proudly provides care to our nation’s veterans through the Veterans Administration. I am reaching out to express my deep frustration and concern over the ongoing issue of denied dental claims that have been incorrectly classified by the VA as untimely, despite having clear proof of timely submission.

My office consistently follows all filing requirements and submits claims within the authorized timeframes. In numerous cases, we have provided documentation verifying the original claim submission dates—yet the denials continue, citing “untimely filing.” These repeated administrative denials have created significant delays in reimbursement for services already rendered under VA-approved authorizations and have placed an undue financial and administrative burden on Bawa Dentistry.

This office takes great pride in caring for our veterans and ensuring they receive the treatment they deserve in a timely manner. However, the persistent errors and lack of response from the VA’s claims processing department makes it increasingly difficult to continue providing this level of service.  I have made multiple attempts to appeal and resubmit claims with supporting evidence, but these cases often remain unresolved for several months, if not longer.

I respectfully request your assistance in addressing this systemic issue with the VA or the appropriate oversight body. I believe that improved communication, claim review accountability, and adherence to proof of timely submission could greatly reduce unnecessary denials and ensure that community providers are fairly compensated for approved veteran care.

Thank you for your time, attention, and ongoing advocacy for our veterans and their healthcare providers.

bbawa8567
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