Veterans Affairs Needs to Treat the Root of Claims Backlog
Author: The American Legion
Published: 2011/03/02
Topic: Disabled Veterans News (Publications Database)
Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main Item
Synopsis: The American Legion called upon VA to treat the root of the disability claims backlog problem.
Introduction
Testifying before Congress today on the Department of Veterans Affairs fiscal 2012 budget proposal, The American Legion called upon VA to "treat the root" of the disability claims backlog problem.Main Item
At a hearing today, American Legion Legislative Director Tim Tetz told members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee that VA's disability claims system "is broken because VA places undue stress on the number of claims processed, and minimal stress on accuracy."
Referring to VA's new Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS), Tetz said, "IT tools that are only used to implement the old system will just allow VA to make the same old mistakes faster.
"This budget gives VA quite a bit of money to implement IT programs and initiatives - but does it fix it all the way" Tetz asked. "VA must build a system that tracks individual error and holds stations accountable for not only the volume of work done, but also the accuracy of the work."
Repeating concerns expressed at a House hearing last week, Tetz urged Congress to "at least meet the previous levels of funding." While The American Legion has recommended $2 billion for major and minor VA construction projects, the fiscal 2012 budget calls for about $1.2 million.
Despite The American Legion's concerns about the claims backlog and the construction budget, Tetz said the organization "remains cautiously optimistic that the FY 2012 budget proposal will meet the needs of our nation's veterans.
"We appreciate the efforts VA has made towards addressing the symptoms and issues that currently face our nation's veterans," Tetz said.
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2 - Providing U.S. Disabled Veterans Both Disability and Retired Payments - The Major Richard Star Act would repeal current unfair offset, allowing disabled veterans to receive both retirement pay and disability compensation.
3 - Disabled Vets and Some Caregivers Can Soon Shop in Army and Air Force Exchange Service Stores - U.S. Department of Defense to welcome home disabled veterans and certain caregivers with Army and Air Force Exchange Service in-store shopping privileges.
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Cite This Page (APA): The American Legion. (2011, March 2). Veterans Affairs Needs to Treat the Root of Claims Backlog. Disabled World. Retrieved December 10, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/news/veterans/backlog.php
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