DENVER - Sen. Michael Bennet says the VA has been late in paying education benefits to dozens of Colorado veterans, and he's asking the department to find a remedy.

Bennet, a Colorado Democrat, said Tuesday that 141 veterans have told him the Department of Veterans Affairs has been late in paying benefits under a half-dozen education programs.

He sent a letter to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki about the delays.

Bennet's spokesman, Adam Bozzi, says members of a panel that advises the senator on veterans matters raised the issue. Bennet's office then sent questionnaires to veterans at about 20 Colorado colleges and universities in September asking about problems with benefits payments.

The VA didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.