Tearing The Va Down (brick By Brick)

[myround0]

The VA watchdog will be doing an examination on the VA in the coming weeks. It is titled tearing the VA down Brick by Brick. I feel the VA Offices are pretty good, my suggestion would be tearing the VA down Officer by Officer. The buildings aren't causing the problems, its the people working inside those offices. They have been allowed to run a muck and they continue the same muck running, and will do, regardless of the building they are in until they are held to a standard that will cost them their jobs...

[purple]

The series will discuss the organization of the VA....not the physical buildings.

[john999]

Leave the buildings for the sick and homeless vets. The rest of us should get a card equivalent to medicare of a medicare supplement. That would save me money. I have to keep my BC/BS because it is secondary payer for me and primary for my wife. I have medicare and she has ChampVA. The BC costs me half my federal disability pension, but they pay very well.

We do need to tear down the VA brick by brick because it sucks in my opinion. I can't get the care I am promised due to rationing of care. I am priority one vet and I get the best and fastest care. I hate to think of those down the line who have to wait six months for a test or visit. The VA talks about prevention but I only get to see my dentist for an exam once every two years. I have DMII and gum disease. I go outside the VA for extra care. It costs me mucho. They admit that poor dental care can cause heart disease, but almost all vets do not get dental care. I get vision care but the glasses I get for free and like the ones you got in the army back in the 60's.

[broncovet]

Yes, I am sure by "tearing the VA down brick by brick" they are referring to some sort of reorganization plan whereby crooked and disgruntled Va employees are rooted out of the system, not the tearing down and rebuilding of VA buildings. The problem is, of course, that there are far too many Va employees who either regard Veterans as "the problem" or, they are downright stealing from Veterans. Both of these types of VA employees need to find other employment and have shown themselves to be toxic to the system...requiring this massive overhaul of the VA system.

The VA system is infected with some of these "cancerous" employees, many in management roles, and they need to surgically remove the cancer before it spreads to the entire organization and kills it.

[Notorious Kelly]

We need an independent investigation of the claims section and simplification of the process.

Adding more people to a broken system isn't the answer. When people realize that they are part of a hopeless bureaucracy, they just pull their paycheck and go home.

[Testvet]

They don't need more investigations they have had 2 recent ones, Bob Dole/Sec Shalala and the 2 year VDBC report, they know what the problems are, they know how to fix them, it's a lack of will nothing more and nothing less most of the problems are in the VAROs on all claims processing they are still using a WW2 style paper based format when the rest of the world is now on digital records which also makes it easier to transfer the C Files around to the different boards and courts across the nation to where they are needed CAVC, BVA, or the AMC, this alone could reduce months on the appeals time.

[purple]

The problem is they use the VA to investigate the VA.....like the fox guarding the henhouse...

[BoonDoc]

There's a method to their madness.

You make good points, if they wanted to repair the VA system, they could.

Just think about the huge infux of vets who are going to be opening claims, with the build up of troops in Afghanastan, not to mention the ability of the VA to handle the new vets who will be seeking treatment at VA's.

It's only going to get worse before it gets better.

BoonDoc

They don't need more investigations they have had 2 recent ones, Bob Dole/Sec Shalala and the 2 year VDBC report, they know what the problems are, they know how to fix them, it's a lack of will nothing more and nothing less most of the problems are in the VAROs on all claims processing they are still using a WW2 style paper based format when the rest of the world is now on digital records which also makes it easier to transfer the C Files around to the different boards and courts across the nation to where they are needed CAVC, BVA, or the AMC, this alone could reduce months on the appeals time.

Edited September 3, 2009 by BoonDoc (see edit history)

[Chuck75]

That's already been done and changes suggested. The changes would result in less of a cut going to VA the administrative budget, and more to veterans, something that the VA vehemently opposes. (Empire building, you know!)

The VA "likes to say" that the claims process is a result of law, regulation and mandate, and they cannot change it (unless the change results in less payout to the veterans.)

We need an independent investigation of the claims section and simplification of the process.

Adding more people to a broken system isn't the answer. When people realize that they are part of a hopeless bureaucracy, they just pull their paycheck and go home.

[Notorious Kelly]

They don't need more investigations they have had 2 recent ones, Bob Dole/Sec Shalala and the 2 year VDBC report, they know what the problems are, they know how to fix them, it's a lack of will nothing more and nothing less most of the problems are in the VAROs on all claims processing they are still using a WW2 style paper based format when the rest of the world is now on digital records which also makes it easier to transfer the C Files around to the different boards and courts across the nation to where they are needed CAVC, BVA, or the AMC, this alone could reduce months on the appeals time.

You're right there, Testvet.

I asked to see my file but it was somewhere else; they transfer it around like 100 years ago. Much more chance of important info getting lost.

Even Social Security is going digital. I got my evidence exhibit on CD and am transmitting additional evidence by fax until my electronic log on is received.

[Berta]

I know the vet who is doing this series- he means dismantling the claims system as it now stands-it is broken anyhow so why not dismantle and rebuild it-

I have been around long enough to remember when the VA became part of the Cabinet. That is when it really started to go down hill.

If Dept of HHS or Transportation or Dept of Commerce etc had the dirty underwear that VA Watchdog has uncovered so far- the country might be in an uproar-but the only ones really concerned about the VA are disabled veterans and their advocates.

The VA coasts along as if we all have an expiration date and can be discarded at some point.

The reality is Time is our enemy and we all DO have an expiration date.

I think the ROs should hire lawyers to handle our claims, not poorly trained raters who do not have the medical background to really interpret C & P exams nor comprehend our claims.

I think the Service Orgs should replace their SOs with lawyers too.One good lawyer with full knowledge of VA case law could easily out do probably half a dozen poorly trained and inept service reps or VA claims raters.

And I think every veteran should get a voucher for an Independent Medical Opinion from a doctor of their choice with expertise in the field of disability they are claiming paid for by the VA or by the Service orgs- who would have plenty of money if they fired their lousy vet reps (and they all know who they are)and pout the salaries saved into an IMO fund.

And I also think there is much more to our backlog problem that we even know yet.

I feel it is due in part to deliberate denials with no basis in fact (if the evidence was not read)in order to pad the EP books for those RO bonuses.

I am looking into one specific area of VA myself- collecting all the FOIA responses I get-and will let Kurt know of the outcome.

Datagate,shreddergate, the IT fiasco, the lack of vet suicide stats-----this is just the iceberg's tip - in my opinion-and as Deep Throat said"Follow the Money"

I wonder if anyone other than GAO and IG (VA's IG) has done that yet in detail.

[BoonDoc]

Your post made Me think if a claims rater is not a trained medical or legal professional, or para-professional, and the fact that there financial incentives given to deny claims payed in bonus money given for denied claims, and if this constitutes bias on the VA's part, and could be a legal issue used in the appeal process?

BoonDoc

I know the vet who is doing this series- he means dismantling the claims system as it now stands-it is broken anyhow so why not dismantle and rebuild it-

I have been around long enough to remember when the VA became part of the Cabinet. That is when it really started to go down hill.

If Dept of HHS or Transportation or Dept of Commerce etc had the dirty underwear that VA Watchdog has uncovered so far- the country might be in an uproar-but the only ones really concerned about the VA are disabled veterans and their advocates.

The VA coasts along as if we all have an expiration date and can be discarded at some point.

The reality is Time is our enemy and we all DO have an expiration date.

I think the ROs should hire lawyers to handle our claims, not poorly trained raters who do not have the medical background to really interpret C & P exams nor comprehend our claims.

I think the Service Orgs should replace their SOs with lawyers too.One good lawyer with full knowledge of VA case law could easily out do probably half a dozen poorly trained and inept service reps or VA claims raters.

And I think every veteran should get a voucher for an Independent Medical Opinion from a doctor of their choice with expertise in the field of disability they are claiming paid for by the VA or by the Service orgs- who would have plenty of money if they fired their lousy vet reps (and they all know who they are)and pout the salaries saved into an IMO fund.

And I also think there is much more to our backlog problem that we even know yet.

I feel it is due in part to deliberate denials with no basis in fact (if the evidence was not read)in order to pad the EP books for those RO bonuses.

I am looking into one specific area of VA myself- collecting all the FOIA responses I get-and will let Kurt know of the outcome.

Datagate,shreddergate, the IT fiasco, the lack of vet suicide stats-----this is just the iceberg's tip - in my opinion-and as Deep Throat said"Follow the Money"

I wonder if anyone other than GAO and IG (VA's IG) has done that yet in detail.

[myround0]

You atre correct I know they mean the organization of the VA and not the building, however, I would be willing to bet, if they had stated it is time for a wholesale overhaul of personnel YOU WOULD SEE AND REMARKABLE IMPROVEMENT IN SERVICE...It is crazy they have no oversight. I know some will say they have and IG, but, the IG is an internal service, which means they report right to the VA Secretary.

[RSG]

I think Berta, nailed that......nough said.....tnx,RSG

[Stretch]

A bunch of Generals and an Admiral got together and called themselves the VDBC (Veterans Disability Benefits Commission) after appointment. The VDBC spent a few years figuring out where the VA problems were.

These guys had some excellent ideas, but when it came to their idea of giving Disabled Vets a 25% increase in pay, then the VDBC was buried a forgotten the minute its time was up.

The VA looks at giving Disable Vets a fair shake, as a conflict of interest. I am going to try a fight EED with mental tolling. I have work to do...

[broncovet]

Berta..

What is an "EP book" that you mentioned in an earlier post?

You were discussing "deliberate denials" with no basis in fact in order to "pad the EP book" for the RO bonuses.

I think you are on to something there.

In my case, my audiologist opined, "Veterans hearing loss is most likely due to noise exposure during incurred during military service"

The RO denied SC for hearing loss anyway, contrary to this probative evidence.

It was overturned upon appeal, but that took years. While waiting for this appeal, my home was foreclosed upon.

While I was did get some justice upon appeal, I can never get back my home, and, worse, my family. (The wife left, in no small part, because I was broke and unable to maintain substantial gainfull employment)

[Berta]

Bronco vet what I mean by the EP code is the code the VA takes an as 'end product 'code when they have completed a claim.

This also has been discussed at many hearings at the H VAC.

The EPS are somehow added up to justify how much work on claims has actually been done annually- then at some point this total is instrumental in deciding what RO directors get bonuses and how much they get-

As in your case and for the 6 years my claim was at the Buffalo RO- everytime the claims were denied they took a EP-making it appear they completed our claims,

I would think one claim could appear open and then be denied many times ,in many successive years - reflecting that it appeared as more then one EP every year -when the fact is it was the same claim.

The unconscionable part of this apparent padding of the books is that it affects vets like you-who lose so much in the time it takes for an award.

And obviously-if the VA took the time to read our evidence the outcomes would be better-and much sooner.

It must be nice to work at a VARO-

open the C file, ignore the probative evidence, whip out a denial letter, and then feel the satisfaction of putting an EP code on the claim so that the diirector can get a nice cash bonus-

any training you got in 38 CFR and the claims process has no significance at all-and your own performance appraisals show you get the work load 'completed' fast.

They turned the VCAA into a Scam-as I told Congressman Filner by phone and by mail-because they manipulated the VCAA in ways in which to deny claims faster.

"Follow the money" as Deep Throat said-

and if the incentive for piss poor work is removed (the bonuses) then maybe the work will improve.

Bart Strickland (NVLSP) and other lawyers have relentlessly made this point to the H VAC- the " hamster wheel" of the claims process- deny remand deny remand etc-is based on a work ethic involving quantity not quality.

It doesnt matter if the claim is handled wrong and the evidence is never considered- as long as the claim gets closer to the BVA-the EP code can be envisioned.

I recently wrote to Chairman Terry -I dont see how or why the BVA is putting up with this RO crap-

we gripe about the backlog at the BVA but that is sure not where the backlog started.

The BVA is working as fast as they can- look what they have to work with- a claims file that can be very voluminous, stacks of stuff in the C file that no one at VA has probably never even read yet, and they take the time to make the decision they wrote as concise but as complete as it can be.

The first thing the lawyers at BVA look at is the VCAA letter the vet got- the BVA web site bears out a big gripe I have made countless times to the H VAC -and to anyone else who would listen-such as lawyers who rep vets-

if the VCAA letter was improperly prepared, it is often prejudicial to the vet and right there-the case must be remanded.

This shows that even the most important regulation we have, the VCAA which heightened our DTA (Duty To Assist) rights- has been manipulated to favor the VA and to allow them to deny many claims they should not have denied.

Many vets and widows got what I got- a lousy VCAA letter that was generic and contained no Response form-not even listed as an enclosure- thus they could say I never responded- with the form that I never got.

My Vet reps tried to get me (to include the state director)to accept the VCAA letter I got as a proper one.Obviously they would not question the RO about it.

It took me years to get a rep to even read it in my POA file and he immediately said it was NOT proper at all.

I had the background to overcome that prejudicial error but what about the vets who get what I got and never know what to send to VA or respond with?

These prejudicial errors in my opinion are well calculated to occur at the regional levels.They get the claim out of the ROs hair for years as it sits at the BVA.

[john999]

They say a fish rots from the head down. I don't think the VA's problem is just a few bad apples. I think it comes from the top. The idea is to limit compensation and other costs. If a few thousand vets get crushed in the process no big deal. The government made promises to take take care of disabled vets, and now when presented with the bill they try and sneak away from the table.

[Notorious Kelly]

If your enemies don't suffer, the war will never end.

[Testvet]

the excuse of "new vets" is a distraction at best, the military is at it's lowest man power levels in decades, most of the claims in the backlog are from Vietnam, Korea and WW2 and Gulf War veterans, I imagine the new vets really make up less than 5% of all back log claims, so the VA uses the "new vets" as a foil, to make us other veterans feel bad about us being responsible for new vets getting delayed in obtaining their benefits BS it is the VAROs and their normal BS games keeping ALL vets from obtaining the benefits they deserve, instead of treaing every claim as fraudulent and fighting them as such, the claims process could be sped up and more claims granted right now it is up to veterans to have to prove they were harmed there is no benefit of the doubt given the vARO spends years trying to disprove combat actions really happened despite what evidence the veterans have remember the case of the giy with pieces of the exploded bomb in his backside and the VA said he was NOT in combat, well I don't know anywhere else your butt gets filled with shards of metal from explosives.....it's all about the money it's always about the money