Va Oig Press Release Paperless Va

[Berta]

http://www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-11-04376-81.pdf

Feb 3rd 2013 Press Release

Source: VA OIG Media room

[71M10]

So paperless claims has been deployed to 4 test sites to be ramped up over the last two to 2 and 1/2 years and none of it functions as it should. Not one of the modules does what it is supposed to. Key processes for Claims processed with this system at present are taking twice as long as the old system to accomplish and the VA still says this will fix the backlog by 2015.

The only way the VA is going to fix the backlog by 2015 with this system, is to scan everything in, destroy the hard copies and than dump the system and state that they have no pending claims!

It is gonna get a whole lot worse before this gets better, but maybe this astounding failure will ultimately create change.

Thanks for the information Berta!!!

[jbasser]

This report just goes to show that everything the current regime touches just turns into a huge pile of stinking white tipped chicken crap.

Until they change the management to new people and change the attitude of the regime then any attempt to garner new ideas or methods to improove this system will fail.

J

[Pete53]

Paperless means less access and less proof for Veterans in my opinion

[broncovet]

The VA did not mean they have a "paperless" VA...they meant they have a "clueless VA".

Shinseki has no idea how to manage VA to turn it to paperless. Perhaps they should take a page out of the play book from many private companies which have done so years ago.

[johnjjr]

I agree with Bronco. But go one step further. Replace Shinseki with a hardnosed CEO from the private sector. Someone with years of experience who can actually get the job done. Heads need to roll, but under the present cronyism, it's a pat on the back and a 'Do better next time'. All the smoke and mirrors we are seeing now won't get any better until the VA is run like a business.

I respect Shinseki as a fellow vet, but he does not have the leadership qualities to be VA Secretary.

[71M10]

Bronco,

But that would mean they would have to look at the process, determine what they are supposed to be doing, and then create a process that does the job. I suspect there are too many "thats the way we have always done it" mentalities at work.

The sad fact of the matter is Congress and the Executive Branch don't want to fix the backlog. If they wanted to fix the back log they would simply appoint some special masters, provide funds for legal representation and medical exams to assist veterans with their claim. With claims being submitted by an officer of the court it should keep some of the fraud in check. The Special Master could approve the majority of claims, anything the special master cannot approve is sent into the system for additional development/review. THE GOVERNMENT FORCED THIS FOR THE BP OIL SPILL(special master) and pushed for all claims to be resolved in 90 days. Why are Veterans any less important?