On February 4, 2013, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General released a new report concerning the transition of VA claims system to a fully electronic model. The report entitled, Review of VBA’s Transition to a Paperless Claims Processing Environment, Report Number 11-04376-81 (Feb. 4, 2013), documents a multitude of issues with transitioning the disability claims system to a fully paperless processing model.
The report emphasizes what most veterans already know, veterans need to take affirmative control over their claim to ensure that all issues are being properly adjudicated. At Fink Rosner Ershow-Levenberg we employ a methodology I will affectionately call the “VA Double Tap.” Consequently, regardless of whether we are submitting a substantive brief, evidence, or a VA Form necessary to further an appeal, myself or one of the other attorneys will always contact the VA to ensure that the document has been associated with the veteran’s claim file and we have full accountability of every issue pending and the procedural posture of each claim.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, so if you are confused about the status of your VA disability compensation or pension claim, please do not hesitate to contact me for a free consultation at sdirector@FRE-L.com or (732) 382-6070.