Congress tackles measure to overhaul lengthy VA appeals process
June 06, 2017
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) benefits appeals process is notoriously slow and confusing. Veterans unhappy with their benefits payouts could end up waiting up to five years for the VA to decide on their appeals. However, new proposed legislation could soon give veterans some relief from an outdated system that does not serve them well.
The House Veterans Affairs Committee is drafting a bill to streamline the appeals process and shave years off the wait. The move aims to overhaul the bureaucracy that has long frustrated tens of thousands of veterans. The VA’s backlog of pending appeals has soared to 470,000 as of April, marking a 20 percent increase since 2015.
Under the measure, veterans would have more options on how to appeal their cases. For example, they could waive the right to have hearings or submit new evidence in favor of speedier resolutions. Additionally, they could face stricter timelines for submissions and responses.
The draft legislation seeks to simplify the notification process and improve oversight of case management. The VA would also have to devise a plan to update its training and software. In addition, the department would be required to meet strict reporting guidelines as it implements the bill.
While many veterans advocacy groups have endorsed the proposed legislation, at least one organization called it problematic. Under debate are various protections in the appeals system that allow veterans to update their medical information at any time. Even minor updates can lead to veterans having to restart the entire appeals process. Although the committee has not set a timetable for voting on the appeals overhaul, it hopes to have a reform bill pass through both houses this year.