In a breaking news report, the Department of Veterans Affairs has made a significant mistake. This time, it has been made by its employees while they are processing claims for Vets. About 75% of claims that qualified for a 100% disability rating between May 2022 and April 2023 were wrongly processed. The error had made around $100 million in improper monthly Veteran disability claims payments, according to the July report conducted by the VA Office of Inspector General. According to the report, there are around $9.8 million in overpayments, and roughly $84.7 million in underpayments. This act was a result of claims processor officials not following policies and procedures consistently.
The Chaos Surrounding the Veteran Disability Claims
The result of the errors caught the attention of the House, who is focusing on providing training and education for claims processors. They will learn how to handle, review, and provide accurate decisions in Veteran disability claims.
Since the pandemic, everything is online. However, this has backfired as the processors don’t have the tools to succeed. Rep. Chris Pappas mentioned that the VA processors were employed to assist in processing a high demand of claims due to the Toxics Act — or the PACT Act. Additionally, it had grown the coverage for Vets’ eligibility to get compensation related to injuries from toxic exposure.
A report from the Government Accountability Office found that during fiscal year 2023, they processed around 2.2 million claims for disability compensation and roughly $136 billion to Veterans who have service-related disabilities. However, the office found that the officers did not fully enforce the parameters the government watchdog suggested.
Elizabeth Curda added that the additional training will help the new claims processors be more efficient. They need to have hands-on experience, especially with technology. The seasoned staff will have an updated knowledge of the changing complexities of processing Veteran disability claims.
Since the new employees don’t yet have the capability and judgment to process 100% disability, they are just getting print examples. The monthly compensation for the claims is based on a Vet’s disability rating. One with a 100% rating is unemployable. Some of the auditors found that some Veterans who have processed a claim were directed to undergo additional medical exams when they were not supposed to.
Though it was found that the total mistake cost $100 million, the real numbers are around $250 million. The bulk of the error falls on underpayment to Veterans.
VA Disability Compensation
Veteran disability compensation is a tax-free payment for service members sick or with injuries while on active duty. It also covers Vets whose existing conditions get worse. You may qualify for a compensation benefit if you have a chronic illness, injury, or a mental health condition that developed during or after your service.
To file for your disability claim, you need to gather any evidence that will support it. You can go for medical and hospital records, private medical reports, or any supporting statements from friends, law enforcement personnel, clergy members, family members, or people you served with. These statements will give the VA more of an idea about your condition.
Once your papers are ready, you can process your claim online, by mail, fax, or in person. Once you have filed your Veteran disability claim, you don’t need to do anything; just wait for the VA’s decision after 151.2 days.
Suggested reads:
- How To Apply for VA Disability & What You Need To Know
- What To Expect From the Military Base Toxic Exposure Veterans Disability Benefits Screening
- VA Burn Pit Registry Expansion Is Improving Healthcare for Vets
