Backlog: 860,000 Disability Claims from American Veterans
October 2nd, 2012Via: CNN:
The Department of Veterans Affairs said it is on track to process 1 million disability claims this year.
With the war in Iraq over and the one in Afghanistan winding down, the VA is sorting through a backlog of more than 860,000 disability claims from American veterans. More than a quarter of those vets — 228,000 — have been waiting for a year or more.
While I realize it’s a volunteer army you could probably add the atrocities category as well. This will be a nightmare for generations of USians.
If I’m reading this correctly, 860,000 claims minus 228,000 more than a year old equals 632,000 claims in less than a year. It’s like they didn’t learn a thing from Vietnam.
I personally know a Vietnam era vet, who spent the last year trying to get his disability benefits from the VA.
Over the years, I’ve known people at a variety of levels of PTSD. He was a clear cut case. He also had medical problems related to his military service.
The VA’s story changed over time. He clearly was due VA disability benefits. They’d lose his paperwork when they were favorable to him. After a few years, they questioned if he was even in the military. He provided stacks of paperwork, photos, and statements from people who served with him.
He finally got his 100% disability. He’s now being treated for his PTSD, and medical conditions.
Their backlog wouldn’t be as large, if they weren’t constantly trying to disprove documented factual evidence. Everyone I’ve known that has gone through the system has had similar experiences.
Even people who have lost limbs during their military service, have received the same treatment.