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April 1, 2010 - John Hall (D-NY) is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. He recently conducted an inquiry into the efficiency of one of the quality review systems used by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).
The main method the VBA uses to review the timeliness and accuracy in veterans' compensation and pension claims is the Systematic Technical Accuracy Review (STAR) system. The STAR system is used for quality control. It is designed to help underperforming regional offices by providing extra training and staff. The VBA's goal is to accurately process veterans' claims the first time to:
The results of the inquiry were less than promising; there were several areas where the STAR system was found lacking. The VBA boasts an 83% accuracy rate in their claims processing. The VA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) reduces this account by 10% based on STAR operators missing rating errors. Further, the STAR team is understaffed and undertrained. The OIG believes the VBA is more focused on providing high STAR reliability ratings as opposed to actually accomplishing a high rate of accuracy for claims processing.
The VBA needs to be brought up to standards the same way the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) was years ago. Almost 17% of VA ratings have errors, which is a disservice to all veterans. The VBA must improve their STAR system to improve accuracy in detecting and exposing rating errors. Our veterans do not deserve to have their benefits delayed or denied due to these internal errors.
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.
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