“The OIG found that VBA’s reported backlog did not include all claims that had been awaiting rating decisions for more than 125 days during the first and second quarters of FY 2016. The OIG estimated VARO staff completed about 63,600 other EPs that required rating decisions that took over 125 days to complete but that VBA did not count as part of the backlog. As a result, the OIG estimated that, in its completed backlog, VBA only reported about 79 percent of the claims that required rating decisions that took over 125 days…”
“Recommendations 1–2
- The OIG recommended the Under Secretary for Benefits consider revising which claims are included in VBA’s reported disability claims backlog and provide a clear definition to all stakeholders.
- The OIG recommended the Under Secretary for Benefits implement a plan to provide consistent oversight and training of Claims Assistants through national performance and training plans…” Read the full report here.
Source: Review of Accuracy of Reported Pending Disability Claims Backlog Statistics, September 10, 2018. VAOIG.
