What GAO Found The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) has limited information on whether contractors who conduct disability compensation medical exams are meeting the agency's quality and timeliness targets. VBA contracted examiners have completed a growing number of exams in recent years (see figure). VBA uses completed exam reports to help determine if a veteran should … [Read more...] about VA DISABILITY EXAMS: Improved Performance Analysis and Training Oversight Needed for Contracted Exams
Veterans Benefits Administration
Schedule for Rating Disabilities: The Hematologic and Lymphatic Systems
This document amends the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) by revising the section of the Rating Schedule that addresses the hematologic and lymphatic systems. This action will ensure VA uses current medical terminology and provides detailed and updated criteria for evaluating conditions pertaining to the hematologic and lymphatic … [Read more...] about Schedule for Rating Disabilities: The Hematologic and Lymphatic Systems
Unwarranted Medical Reexaminations for Disability Benefits VA OIG 17-04966-201
Why the OIG Did This Review The OIG conducted this review to determine whether Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) employees required disabled veterans to submit to unwarranted medical reexaminations.1 VBA employees have authority to request reexaminations for veterans “whenever VA determines there is a need to verify either the continued existence or the current … [Read more...] about Unwarranted Medical Reexaminations for Disability Benefits VA OIG 17-04966-201
VA DISABILITY BENEFITS: Opportunities Exist to Better Ensure Successful Appeals Reform GAO-18-349T: Published: Jan 30, 2018
What GAO Found The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) plan for implementing a new disability appeals process while attending to appeals in the current process addresses most, but not all, elements required by the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (Act). VA's appeals plan addresses 17 of 22 required elements, partially addresses 4, and does not … [Read more...] about VA DISABILITY BENEFITS: Opportunities Exist to Better Ensure Successful Appeals Reform GAO-18-349T: Published: Jan 30, 2018
VA Burial Benefits: Service-Connected or Non-Service Connected – There’s a Benefit for You
How to Apply for a Veterans Burial Allowance Source: VA.gov Find out how to get Veterans burial allowances to help cover burial, funeral, and transportation costs. Can I get allowances to help pay for a Veteran’s burial and funeral costs? You may be able to get burial allowances if you’re paying for the burial and funeral costs, and if any of the below relationships … [Read more...] about VA Burial Benefits: Service-Connected or Non-Service Connected – There’s a Benefit for You
“Forever GI Bill” Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act of 2017
From Curtis L. Coy, Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity, Veterans Benefits Administration Dear Fellow Veterans and Colleagues, As you know, the recent passage of the Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act of 2017, also known as the “Forever GI Bill,” enacts several changes to the GI Bill that will positively impact Veterans and their families. Some of the … [Read more...] about “Forever GI Bill” Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act of 2017