HARLINGEN – A new report by a watchdog agency says the Department of Veterans Affairs needs to do a better job watching over its regional offices to avoid processing delays.  

The Government Accountability Office found that the federal agency’s veteran benefits wing has gaps in its guidance for regional offices and their processing of claims.

Harlingen veteran Gilberto Sanchez says he has a brain tumor and throat cancer, a direct result of working as a Navy welder.

The 62-year-old says for the past four to five years, he’s appealed a VA decision so he can get full coverage. He says he isn’t getting the response he needs.

KRGV’s Frank McCaffrey reached out to the GAO and the VA to ask what changes are being made to help veterans such as Sanchez.

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