Clarifying the Current Claims Process

Veteran's Voice Podcast with Amanda Mineer

Veterans Law Group continues to educate itself so it remains up to date with any and all changes happening with the VA. As a veteran’s representative, it is our job to ease the process for veterans to file their disability claims. We also make it easier for the VA to grant your claims once they open your file.

One of the most common questions asked by veterans and their family members is why does it take so long to receive an initial decision on a claim?

The short answer is because the VA’s claims department is backlogged. Backlogged claims are classified as claims 125 days older or older. As of September 2022, there are currently 150,000 backlogged claims which have yet to be processed despite 635,000 claims being processed annually.

This number will only increase with the passing of the Pact Act as it will allow those previously denied claims or who didn’t have the chance to file claims to (rightfully) do so now. With the current claims systems, processors are working through more than 7,000 claims a day. The VA claims to be hiring more processors and allowing employees to work overtime, but this brings an entirely different set of issues to the VA’s already crowded table.

On the surface, hiring more people and having them work over time would be a more efficient way to power through the claims. However, given most processors are unqualified for the position, how accurate are these decisions and what kind of pressure will these processors, or claims agents working as processors, be under to power through these claims?

Some qualifications needed to be an effective processor include:

• Accurate interpretation of medical findings
• Understanding of how the law applies to said medical findings

For a more in-depth look at why claims take so long, we highly recommend checking out this recent article titled VA’s Widespread Mishandling of Disability Claims Could Have Caused Delays in Denials for Veterans.

Another commonly asked question is how do you know when to appeal a decision?

This boils down to the percentage of your rating and severity of your symptoms. Lately, the VA has included symptoms associated with each percentile range. However, you don’t have to exhibit all of these symptoms to qualify.

To learn more about these commonly asked questions or book a free consultation, visit veteranslaw.com or call our office at 800-811-0523.