SOTU: Reform of VA disability benefit claims, get rid of claim backlog

1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 22:33:49 -0500

Tonight, President Obama mentioned the reform/change of the VA, specifically stating that the backlog of disability claims was unacceptable. I think this is a huge problem that definitely needs to be addressed. I've heard stories of our wounded warriors having to wait months/years to receive the benefits they are entitled. There also seem to be huge amounts of discrepancies as to % of disability and people taking advantage of the system. Do you know someone affected by this? What can be done about this?

I think it'll take years and years to fix, but like President Obama said, something NEEDS to be done.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 28 at 2014 10:46 PM

CMC Robert Young — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 22:46:07 -0500

Saying it needs reform, and actually producing tangible plans to do just that are different things entirely. I would be more enthusiastic if there was something concrete advanced that might address the problem in the real world as opposed to whatever it is that goes on inside the beltway.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Jan 24 at 2015 8:28 AM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 08:28:36 -0500

This article explains a lot. I think the VA lives by the motto "Deny til they die."

http://www.stripes.com/veterans-advocates-stop-the-va-hamster-wheel-disability-appeals-process-1.325260#comment [login to see]

Veterans advocates: Stop the VA 'hamster wheel' disability appeals process

The effort to clear a massive backlog of veteran disability claims is hurting efforts to address a similar backlog in appeals of denied claims, say advocates demanding reforms to an onerous “hamster wheel” system that leaves veterans languishing for years.

Response by SGT Marlin Green made Jan 28 at 2015 4:56 PM

SGT Marlin Green — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 16:56:11 -0500

As a rater, This is wrong. There are many of us working very hard at getting claims rated and processed. There is also a problem with veterans who claim and claim and claim. They all have to be addressed as well. I have had claims where a veteran has already filed a new claim before the ink on the previous rating has dried. I am tired of hearing how bad the VA is. Yes there are issues and I do not deny that. We have so many changes that are constantly tying our hands handed down by Washington. How about telling Washington to let us do our job and get claims processed. Veterans, show you honor and not file petty claims over and over that require attention and TIME from other claims. Yes I do expect some negative responses here. Nature of the beast. I just know those I work with work hard to get the claims rated regardless of what the "public" might think or are told about.