Department reports faster processing, expanded services, and major infrastructure investments before the end of the fiscal year.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced it has processed more disability benefits compensation and pension ratings claims this year than in any previous year. As of the first week of this month, the VA had completed 2,524,115 claims, surpassing last year’s total nearly two months before the end of the fiscal year.
In July, the department processed more than 300,000 claims in a single month for the first time. Officials reported that claims are being completed 17.8 percent faster than last year, despite a 10 percent increase in new filings.
“VA is making major improvements to better serve Veterans, and this announcement underscores that fact,” said Secretary Doug Collins. “We look forward to implementing more reforms to increase customer service and convenience for those we are charged with serving.”
The VA has also expanded services and infrastructure, including opening 16 new health care clinics, offering nearly one million appointments outside regular hours, and investing $800 million in facility upgrades. Other initiatives included improving access to non-VA care, streamlining benefits for survivors, advancing deployment of an integrated electronic health record system, and partnering with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to recover $106 million in duplicated billing.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Collins to be led by the Lord as he manages the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- For discernment for Administrator Mehmet Oz as he oversees the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Sources: Department of Veterans Affairs
