“The Veterans Affairs Department said it has surpassed its goal this year of delivering more than 81,000 appeals decisions on claims for disability benefits and services.”
“In doing so, VA said it delivered 28,000 more appeals decisions in fiscal 2018 than in fiscal 2017, a 52 percent increase…”
“The achievement comes as the agency prepares for the full implementation of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017, which aims to make the appeals process an easier, more timely and transparent process that is designed to give veterans increased choice and control. The new law takes effect February 2019.”
“Getting ready for the rollout, VA said it has developed new IT capabilities and held numerous training sessions and panels for national, state, and local stakeholders. It also said 186 new attorneys have been hired this fiscal year to help the agency work through the new appeals program and address backlogged claims.”
“While the VA perfects its new process, it is trying to prove itself to veterans by encouraging those who have pending claims to opt into the Rapid Appeals Modernization Plan (RAMP)…” Read the full article here.
Source: VA exceeds goals for delivering appeals decisions on disability claims – By Terry Wing, September 18, 2018. Federal News Radio.
