Noteboom The Law Firm

Proposed Legislation Focuses On VA Claims Processing

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cannot hide the growing mound of disability claims it is facing. If passed, newly introduced legislation would help the VA improve their own efforts processing and paying claims.

U. S. Rep Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) reintroduced the bill two weeks ago. Ideally, the legislation would improve the VA's effectiveness in processing disability claims. In turn, this would speed up the turnaround time on the claims.

Last June the VA made some improvements in its processing program responsible for the claims of veterans focused on pension or compensation benefits. According to the VA, for veterans submitting all necessary supporting paperwork for their claim, the subsequent steps in the process will go much smoother and faster.

Donnelly's proposed legislation would make two major changes to the VA's compensation processing program:

• codify the VA's  compensation processing program; and
• mandate the VA notify veterans of the non-processing eligibility of their claim and include appeal forms with decisions.

Of utmost importance is protecting the veterans' rights as changes are made to the disability compensation processing program. In theory, the bill would force the system to work faster, and the awarded benefits would be more accurate. The bill would also make the veterans' claims valid back to the first day in which they filed their claim.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.