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April 9, 2010 - Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki just celebrated his first year in his position. This year his main goal is to reduce the amount of backlog the VA is facing with processing their disability claims.
To accomplish this, 4 programs have been started to help the VA first recognize and then overcome whatever has been impeding and preventing the VA from processing disability claims in a timely fashion.
The Pittsburgh VA was where the first program was started and aims to change the relationship between the VA and veterans. The VA will now provide the veteran with a checklist of everything needed to file a disability claim. Whatever documents or information the veteran cannot find, the VA will attempt to provide.
Once all the required forms and information is combined, the VA works in conjunction with the veteran to establish the veteran's best argument for their case. This fundamentally changes the VA's role from adversary to advocate. Essentially the VA argues against themselves during the adjudication of the veteran's claim.
Another program in Little Rock, Ark. advances communication between all parties involved in processing a disability claim. Once all the parties are communicating, there will not be any back and forth questioning about why one person took a particular action on a claim and will make processing that claim much more efficient.
The Providence VA is using new automated methods to process disability claims. While this will make processing more accurate and efficient, Secretary Shinseki will make sure the system is running smoothly before expanding its use.
Baltimore's pilot program is to build the best possible VA center and use it as a model for other VA centers. The Baltimore VA will adopt all the most efficient strategies and programs from the other VA offices and combine them into one smooth machine. Developing paperless claims and new electronic records is one of the ultimate goals.
There is still work to do to meet Secretary Shinseki's goal of creating the VA best suited to help veterans with their disability claims. In the end, it sounds like Secretary Shinseki's plan is the best thing for everyone involved.
Soldiers can return home with a number of conditions, injuries, and aggravated preexisting conditions. If you believe you have a service-connected physical or psychological injury you may be entitled to Veterans’ Disability Compensation.
At LaVan and Neidenberg, we are determined to secure veterans their rightful disability compensation and disability rating. We wrote this book for you! In it you will find valuable tips on how to navigate the claims process and avoid common pitfalls. Request your FREE copy today!
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