Expedited Claims Processing For Homeless Veterans:

[carlie]

***Expedited Claims Processing for Homeless Veterans:

Outreach to Homeless Shelters and Service Providers:

In November 2009, VA developed a 5-year plan to end homelessness among

veterans by assisting every eligible homeless veteran willing to accept

service. VBA generally defines homeless as lacking a fixed, regular, and

adequate nighttime residence. VBA provided guidance to all VAROs that

claims submitted by homeless veterans should receive priority processing.

At the time of our inspection, VBA determined its national performance

measure for processing homeless veterans’ claims based on the average days

the claims were pending. VBA’s national target was for the claims to be

pending no more than an average of 75 days.

Seven (23 percent) of 30 homeless veterans’ claims pending at the time of

our inspection had processing delays. The seven delayed claims had been

pending from 29 to 124 days. However, as of September 30, 2011, homeless

veterans’ claims at the St. Petersburg VARO were pending an average of

66 days, 9 days less than the national target. Therefore, we made no

recommendation for improvement in this area.

Congress mandated that at least one full-time employee oversee and

coordinate homeless veterans programs at each of the 20 VAROs that VA

determined to have the largest veteran populations. VBA guidance, last

updated in September 2002, directed that the coordinators at the remaining

37 VAROs be familiar with requirements for improving the effectiveness of

VARO outreach to homeless veterans. These requirements include

developing and updating a directory of local homeless shelters and service

providers. Additionally, the coordinators should attend regular meetings

with local homeless service providers, community governments, and

advocacy groups to provide information on VA benefits and services.

More Info :

http://www.va.gov/oi...11-04243-86.pdf

Edited March 1, 2012 by carlie
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[broncovet]

By the way, egan, you should not have to sign TWO forms. If you read the regulations, an appliction for compensation is also an application for pension. This being said, the pension app is "needs based" and the VA wants to know your income/assets before they will grant pension.

[eganusn]

broncovet, notorious kelly, appreciate the information. broncovet, I didn't feel like getting into a pissing match with this homeless

coordinator. I can tell you now, that I should have followed up on the NSC pension, and I probably will. She "implied" that I needed

to jump through hoops to get it, but I see where I went wrong on that conversation. I think I just wanted her off the phone and didn't want to deal with her at that time.

notorious kelly, that's a very interesting project you undertook!

Edited March 3, 2012 by eganusn

[chinavet]

I spoke to the DAV last year about expedited claim for my upgrade. I have been here in the US since November and really want to get back home in China, but waiting on VA in case I need exams and such. The VA once denied me because I said I needed to reschedule an exam cause they said I lacked interest in my own case by not jumping on an airplane with a week's notice ($4,000 it would have been)...

DAV told me that to properly be considered homeless to get an expedite was such a hassle that I should foget it. I did for a time.

I called the national homeless hotline last week three times and they finally called me back. The local hospital was fast to follow up once the national folks called them. I scheduled an appointment ASAP.

Out of the blue a "benefits representative" from regional called me the next day and asked if I was enrolled in the homeless program yet. I told him I was sxcheduled for an appointment and he asked me to call him after I saw someone. I was enrolled today and have a follow-up next week. I left a message for the guy at VARO.

Still not sure why VARO called, but hoping it really does mean expedite. My upgrade and new claims date back to November 2010.

The homeless services are greatly improved from the days I first started this journey and are worth looking into....Maybe the expedite situation is better. I will keep you posted.

[chinavet]

Interesting development.

VARO keeps calling me trying to verify my homelessness.

The guy said today that even if they do verify

My situation that I might not get expedited treatment

Since I have a check for 70% coming in.

In the time they waste verifying my status couldn't

They just decide my claim? Jeez.