The VA disability claims backlog has dropped by almost 25% in the last four months, indicating that hiring and overtime efforts are making a dent in the pending workload.
The VA disability claims backlog has decreased by almost 25% in the last four months, suggesting that hiring and overtime efforts are making a massive dent in the pending workload. As of June 21, the total number of backlogged files - claims pending for more than four months - was 187,540. The number had been as low as 70,000 claims before the start
of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Despite the rapid progress, VA officials have said it may take until mid-2024 to get the number below the 100,000 case level again.
Senators kill sweeping plan to reshape VA health care system
After years of inaction, lawmakers and advocates in 2018 rallied around a plan to modernize the sprawling, government-run health care system for veterans, which still treats many patients in hospital wards built before World War II. A long-sought realignment of the VA's health care system was killed by bipartisan political resistance from 12 senators who said they would not approve the nine
nominees up for confirmation to establish the Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission.
What do you do if a letter shows up in your mailbox from the VA Evidence Intake Center? A letter from the Evidence Intake Center is good news because it shows that the VA is moving along the very slow timeline of VA disability claims. The EIC is a 2014 addition to speed up and refine the VA disability claims process.
No plans to increase abortion services at VA after SCOTUS ruling
VA leaders are vowing to continue "providing reproductive health care" to patients in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision on abortion, but that won't mean providing any new services or travel assistance to help women get the procedure. VA Secretary Denis McDonough said that officials at the department were looking into what the decision would mean for individuals who use VA medical
facilities.
Camp Lejeune vets, families soon eligible to join lawsuit
Camp Lejeune is a U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina that was established in 1941. People who lived or worked there between 1953 and 1987 could have been exposed to contaminated water. Exposure to this toxic water has been linked to an increased risk of cancers, birth defects, and other adverse health effects.
Water testing found that volatile organic compounds were detected at Camp Lejeune in 1982 and traced to drinking water coming from two of the eight water treatment plants on the base. New legislation may give veterans and civilians a new opportunity
to seek compensation for health conditions related to their time at Camp Lejeune. Lawsuits would be open to veterans who are already receiving VA disability benefits.
If you were stationed at or lived on Camp Lejeune for at least 30 consecutive days as a civilian or service member between 1953 and 1987 and developed certain health issues, you may be eligible for compensation. Veterans who already have VA benefits for Camp Lejeune-related health issues would be eligible for compensation.
