The Vietnam Veterans of America and Veterans of Modern Warfare file a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Washington today against the Department of Veterans Affairs in hopes of requiring the VA to provide 90-day initial rulings on disability benefits disability benefits within 90 days and 180-day appeal resolutions. Together, the Vietnam Veterans of America and Veterans of Modern Warfare groups represent about 60,000 veterans.
The President of the Vietnam Veterans of America says delayed claims give the impression the nation does not respect veterans. Currently, initial claims decision wait times average about six months, while appeals can take up to four years to be resolved. The VA is currently handling 600,000 pending claims.
In addition to time limits on claim decisions, the veteran’s groups seek interim benefits for veterans whose claims cannot be decided within the 90/180 day limits of about $356 monthly for a single veteran without dependents. Lisette Mondello, Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs says, “The Department of Justice handles litigation issues in the U.S. District Court for the VA… the VA has made considerable improvements in claims adjudication and continues to do so. It is a key priority for the VA."
The President of the Vietnam Veterans of America says delayed claims give the impression the nation does not respect veterans. Currently, initial claims decision wait times average about six months, while appeals can take up to four years to be resolved. The VA is currently handling 600,000 pending claims.
In addition to time limits on claim decisions, the veteran’s groups seek interim benefits for veterans whose claims cannot be decided within the 90/180 day limits of about $356 monthly for a single veteran without dependents. Lisette Mondello, Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs says, “The Department of Justice handles litigation issues in the U.S. District Court for the VA… the VA has made considerable improvements in claims adjudication and continues to do so. It is a key priority for the VA."
SOURCES:
Veterans' Groups Sue for Faster Disability Rulings
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/11/10/veterans.lawsuit/
Veterans Groups Sue Bush Administration Over Delayed Benefits Claims
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/national/2008/11/10/veterans-groups-sue-bush-administration-over-delayed-benefits-claims.html
Suit Asks VA to Expedite Benefit Claims Handling
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/10/AR2008111003181.html
Veterans' Groups Sue for Faster Disability Rulings
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/11/10/veterans.lawsuit/
Veterans Groups Sue Bush Administration Over Delayed Benefits Claims
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/national/2008/11/10/veterans-groups-sue-bush-administration-over-delayed-benefits-claims.html
Suit Asks VA to Expedite Benefit Claims Handling
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/10/AR2008111003181.html
