WASHINGTON — More than 30 percent of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ disability claims inventory is now digital and accessible in the VA’s electronic claims processing system.
This effort transforms outdated paper processing into an electronic system to deliver disability claims decisions faster. In addition, all incoming paper claims are transformed into keyword-searchable digital records for electronic processing.
The VA is working with the Department of Defense and veterans service organizations to urge veterans and separating service members to file their disability claims electronically and, when possible, to file a Fully Developed Claim through the joint DoD-VA online portal, eBenefits.
Registered eBenefits users with a premium account can file a claim online, track the status, and access information on other benefits, including pension, education, health care, home loan and vocational rehabilitation and employment programs. Additionally, eBenefits users can use 50 self-service features that the VA and DoD have made available.
VA prioritizes disability claims for homeless veterans, those experiencing extreme financial hardship, the terminally ill, former prisoners of war, Medal of Honor recipients and veterans filing Fully Developed Claims, which is the quickest way for veterans to receive a decision on their compensation claim. See benefits.va.gov/fdc/ for assistance.
Claims for service members separating from the military for medical reasons will still be handled by priority with DoD through the Integrated Disability Evaluation System.
Veterans can learn more about disability benefits, and register and/or upgrade to a free premium account on the joint Department of Defense/VA web portal eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Veterans Administration converts disability claims into digital files