Updates to the Department of Veterans Affairs claims process scheduled to begin on April 24 has raised concerns with lawmakers and advocacy groups as these updates will not only result in additional delays and but also cause confusion amongst veterans.
According to an article published by Stars and Stripes, “The VA is ending a decades-old practice of allowing veterans service representatives to review benefits decisions for accuracy before those decisions are finalized and sent to veterans. As outlined in a VA manual, representatives accredited by the VA have 48 hours to review new rating decisions on behalf of their clients. The decisions determine the level of compensation for service-connected injuries and illnesses.”
VA Press Secretary Christina Noel stated that the decision to make the update to the process was because the online claims system made the 48-hour review process obsolete. However, veterans argued that the review period is necessary in order to adequately review their claims. In a letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie asking him to reconsider the decision, lawmakers wrote, “We are deeply concerned that the VA is phasing out this quality review mechanism in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic…Our country is facing an unprecedented emergency, and confusion during this crisis only leads to further frustration.”
Relevant Pages: Veterans Disability