VA moves toward modernization with several updates
September 09, 2019
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is implementing several highly anticipated changes to modernize its systems and processes and increase efficiency for the veterans it serves. The agency will soon have updated the rating schedule, modernized the appeals process, implemented an electronic health records system and streamlined the materiel acquisition process.
Rating Schedule Update
The VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) is used by claims professionals to determine the severity of a disability and to assign veterans a disability rating, upon which the amount of their benefits is based. This collection of regulations has not been updated since 1945.
So far, the rating schedules for dental and oral conditions, conditions related to the endocrine system, gynecological conditions and disorders of the breast and the general rating formula for diseases of the eye, skin conditions, and the hematologic and lymphatic systems have been updated. The updates will be complete within the next several months.
Appeals Process Modernization
The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 (Appeals Modernization Act) was signed into law in 2017 but went into effect earlier this year. This change gives veterans more choice in how their appeal is handled when they have a dispute, giving three options to resolution (supplemental claim, higher-level review or appeal to Board of Veteran’s Appeals).
Veterans will also get to keep their original effective date when appealing and be able to check the status of their decision online.
Electronic Health Record Implementation
Another long-awaited update that will make it easier for veterans to navigate the VA healthcare system is the implementation of an electronic health record system. The department expects to go live with the new system next year but successfully transferred over 23.5 million veteran health records to a data center.
This electronic record will remove the burden of documentation and record keeping from the veterans themselves and allow for more seamless information sharing between departments and offices.
Materiel Acquisition Centralization
The VA has also struck an agreement with the same materiel vendor as the Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency. This more centralized ordering system offers an expanded catalog and will allow the VA to order its medical supplies, cleaning products, construction equipment and more. The contract will increase efficiency and reduce risk and fraud.