VA claim errors result in $100M mispayments

VA claim errors result in $100 million in incorrect payments

According to a July report from the VA Office of Inspector General, mistakes by employees at the VA while processing claims for veterans rated as 100% disabled resulted in nearly $100 million in improper disability compensation payments. The roughly $9.8 million in overpayments and about $84.7 million in underpayments occurred as a result of claims processors not consistently following policies and procedures.

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New burn pit registry aims for data on 4.7 million veterans to assist in research on exposure to hazards

The VA has overhauled its registry for veterans exposed to burn pits and other airborne hazards overseas, working with the Defense Department to include 4.7 million veterans who served in locations with potentially dangerous air quality. To create the new database, the VA and DoD pulled deployment data for millions of veterans who served in certain locations during specific time periods when they may have been exposed to toxic conditions. The database will advance scientific research on the health effects of exposure overseas to smoke, sand, chemical fires, and fine particulate matter.

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VA Secretary Denis McDonough to step down in January

Current VA Secretary Denis McDonough speaking into a microphone.

VA Secretary Denis McDonough will exit his current position in January 2025, when the current presidential term ends. According to reports, McDonough told staffers that he will leave the post at the end of President Joe Biden's term in office on Jan. 20. McDonough, 54, became VA secretary in February of 2021, after being tapped by President Biden for the position. Fourteen other cabinet secretaries will join McDonough in working out their futures in the face of the November presidential election.

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VA disability for scars

Woman with a vertical scar on the back of her head, near her neck.

Over 900,000 veterans receiving VA disability have physical scars, according to the VA’s 2023 Annual Benefits Report. Veterans may develop scars from burns or other injuries like cuts and scrapes during service. Accidents and incidents in both training and combat can cause scarring to varying degrees of severity. Veterans may also become scarred due to surgeries for other service-connected conditions. If scars develop during military service or as a result of it, veterans can qualify for VA disability compensation for scarring, depending on the severity and location of the scars.

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The Abbott Heartmate™ and Abiomed Impella® heart pump lawsuit

If you or someone you know had an Impella® pump used for cardiac intervention for a serious cardiac condition or a HeartMate™ II or 3, and the device failed, causing serious injury or death, contact us today. You could be eligible for the Abiomed Impella® heart pump lawsuit or the Abbott HeartMate™ lawsuit.

Our Honor Flight journey

Woods & Woods President Neil Woods and his employees gather at the Evansville Regional Airport for the Honor Flight of Southern Indiana press conference.

Have you taken your Honor Flight or signed up to take your flight? Honor Flight Network is a national nonprofit comprised of independent hubs working together to achieve the Honor Flight mission. Honor Flight has been on the forefront of our minds, as we are proudly sponsoring our local hub's 17th Honor Flight in October. Stay tuned for updates as we go on this journey together. You can find your local hub here if you are interested in taking your Honor Flight. Honor Flights wouldn't be possible without donors aiding the cause, as Honor Flight Network receives no government funding. You can donate to the Honor Flight Network online or by mail.