This situation is completely unacceptable. Not only is it a slap in the face to the proud men and women who protect our country, for many of them a drawn out veterans disability claims process allows their health to further deteriorate. Some have even died while waiting for the powers that be to give them the disability benefits they so desperately need.
Why Do Veterans Claims Take So Long?
There are many factors that cause Vets’ disability claims to drag on for so long. The rules and procedures that go along with these types of claims are very specific, and it takes time to produce the required evidence and have it move through the proper channels. But a big part of this delay is due to the fact that it can be difficult for the appropriate parties to view claimants’ medical records. Not only is approval necessary, the files themselves can sometimes be hard to locate and transfer.
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Electronic Medical Records – a Step in the Right Direction
Because of this, it’s very good news that the DOD finally started letting the Veterans Affairs Department access troops’ medical records electronically this year. Anyone who “separated or discharged” from military service after January 1, 2014 will now automatically have their medical information on this electronic system, and it can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in the world. This will make it much easier for VA officials to determine disability benefits as soon as a claim is filed, because they can simply pull up the most up-to-date information using a computer.
But while this is great news, more needs to be done. For one, it does nothing to streamline the process for any Veterans disability claims that were made before 2014. These older Vets tend to be the ones most at risk, and they need help, too. If you want to learn more about the process, download our free Veterans Disability eBook. And if you need an advocate to fight for your rights, contact me today to set up a free consultation.
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