Originally Posted By Donny VA under fire for proposed disability filing rule <a target="blank" rel="nofollow" href="http://t.news.msn.com/us/va-under-fire-for-proposed-disability-filing-rule">http://t.news.msn.com/us/va-un...ing-rule</a> For veterans seeking disability compensation, the application process is supposed to be so easy that a handwritten note on a napkin will initiate a claim or an appeal. A proposed rule from the Obama administration would change that, and veterans groups are sounding the alarm. The Department of Veterans Affairs says the many ways that requests for disability compensation arrive actually hamper its ability to administer benefits, and they contribute to a claims backlog that has about 400,000 veterans waiting more than 125 days for a decision. At times, workers spend so much time trying to figure out what's being claimed and trading letters with applicants that it's slowing down decisions for everyone. The VA's solution: Require veterans to use a standard form when they file for disability compensation — or appeal a decision, and throw in some incentives for those who use a computer. The response to the proposed rule from the nation's major veterans groups?
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost Vet here... I see no problem with organized, standardized paperwork. It is beneficial for both parties. I just hope that they are not just using that as an excuse for incompetence on admins side.
Originally Posted By skinnerbox I'm on SSA disability, and I initially applied online. It's very specific with plenty of detailed questions and lots of online help to help clarify the questions being asked. Plus you can print a copy of your application for your records at the end of the process. I'm totally shocked that the VA has yet to adopt a system similar to what SSA has been using for years. Unbelievable.
Originally Posted By planodisney Look, sometimes it's both. It could be to cover up incompetence from the administration, but also be beneficial. There is a fine line, however, between incompetence and just simple built in government B.S. that has built up like a rolling snowball over the years. Sometimes as much as we have the need to point the finger of blame, it's just simply the collective at fault and not a single administration or person.
