“A change to the Department of Veterans Affairs claims process set to take effect Friday will cause delays, create confusion and erode veterans’ right to competent representation when applying for VA benefits, lawmakers and veterans groups argue.”
“The VA is ending a decades-old practice of allowing veterans service representatives to review benefits decisions for accuracy before those decisions are finalized and sent to veterans. As outlined in a VA manual, representatives accredited by the VA have 48 hours to review new rating decisions on behalf of their clients. The decisions determine the level of compensation for service-connected injuries and illnesses…”
“The Veterans of Foreign Wars was the first to criticize the decision to remove the 48-hour review. The VFW said Paul Lawrence, the VA undersecretary of benefits, announced the change at a meeting with veterans groups in March. They were told it would take effect April 24.”
“During the 48-hour review period, representatives check for inadvertent errors that could save veterans from having to file appeals or to request VA reviews. VFW representatives find errors in 5% to 7% of claims, said Ryan Gallucci, a director at the VFW’s office in Washington.”
“Over the past two weeks, 13 lawmakers have sent letters to Wilkie and asked him to reconsider…” Read the full article here.
Source: Lawmakers criticize VA for changing benefits process amid pandemic – By Nikki Wentling, April 24, 2020. Stars & Stripes.
