Noteboom The Law Firm

DoD and VA Working Together to Issue Benefits Sooner

The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans' Affairs are working together to cut down paperwork and evaluations in order to give severely injured soldiers veteran benefits faster.

Before, multiple medical exams were needed from both departments before a soldier was discharged for medical purposes. The new plan requires soldiers to take one medical exam before retiring.  That exam along with a disability evaluation will be shared between the two departments.

The current system allows a gap for some soldiers up to a year before receiving their veteran benefits because of back up in paperwork. The new system will cut the amount of time between insurance to no longer than four months.

Officials say the new plan is not a guarantee.  If problems occur the old system of multiple exams will be reinstated.