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Recently, there’s been a lot of seemingly good news about the backlog shrinking by roughly 35 percent – an impressive figure. However, what’s lost amidst those reports is that the VA has changed the rules for what it counts as part of its backlog. Claims from dependents are no longer counted in their backlog numbers, nor are appeals of denials.
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Now, most Vets probably don’t care a bit about the VA trying to make itself look better to Congress by redefining and re-categorizing claims – but they should, because it’s part of an overall strategy to ease restrictions and move things along faster, which often translates to decisions going against Veterans.
Isn’t a Streamlined Process Good for Vets?
While some potentially positive strides have been made, such as having up-to-date medical records available to the Veterans Affairs Department electronically for some troops, all too often the changes that are being made to the decision process end up hurting Vets. For example, eased restrictions on what makes evidence “valid” seems like something that should make it easier for Veterans to prove their cases. In practice, though, it has just let the VA accept information that goes against Vets’ claims more quickly and frequently.
What that means is that, sure, you might get a faster decision on your claim, but it’s far more likely to go against you. And because the VA has stopped counting appeals in its backlog, all of those people who decide to fight back against a denial have essentially become invisible.
Because of this, it’s more important than ever before that you work with a Veterans Disability lawyer who knows this area of the law inside and out and can guide you through the process. Set up a free consultation today or learn more by reading our free Veterans Disability eBook.
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