The Big News in Military Disability: VA Still Battling Multiple Problems in 2016

In 2015, the two biggest issues on the VA’s radar were the backlog and the wait times for appointments. While some progress has been made (the backlog on initial claims was reduced by more than 400,000—not a small number), overall the VA has not made as much progress as we would like. Maybe 2016 will be better?

Recently, VA Secretary Bob McDonald addressed a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing to reveal a list of goals for 2016 and to provide updates on many of the issues facing the VA. Some of the goals put forth include expanded healthcare options outside the VA through the Veterans Choice Program with the intent that, by the end of 2016, veterans would be able to obtain health care through any provider they choose and have it covered. In reality, the VA uses several programs to reimburse veterans for care outside the VA system. These programs would need to be streamlined and consolidated in order to meet this goal. These actions would require cooperation and quick action by Congress to be approved, something unlikely under the best political circumstances, much less in an election year with a shortened congressional session.
While the backlog of first-time claims has decreased by more than 400,000, the VA has seen pending appeals cases grow to more than 400,000 in the past few years. Another 2016 goal put forward would simplify the appeals process by 2021, making it possible for the VA to resolve 90 percent of appeals cases within one year, compared to the nearly 3 years currently needed on average to reach a decision. While this would offer quicker results, veterans might find that their ability to continually update disability evidence would most likely be limited. Simplifying the appeals process would also require congressional approval, a slow process at best.