New Goal Achieved By VA, Over 90,000 Appeal Decisions Delivered

According to a press release from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), the agency has exceeded its goal ahead of schedule regarding appeals decisions for disability benefits and services provided to veterans in 2019. The VA has delivered 90,050 appeals as of September 10, 2019, which is about 9000 more than the prior year. 

“The Board of Veterans’ Appeals provided thousands of veterans with critical, life-changing appellate decisions,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie in a press release. “The Board surpassed its goal for delivering results to veterans and their families for the second year in a row.” 

The Board focused on hiring attorneys and judges, reorganizing its structure, instituting various training, and implementing modern technology changes in order to achieve its goal. The use of modern technology allows the Board to adapt to changing needs required by the veteran population. 

The VA noted that this achievement comes “while VA concurrently implemented the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017.” According to the agency, the act offers choices and control over veteran appeals and provides a more timely and transparent process. 

“This reflects VA’s continued commitment to providing excellent customer service to veterans. VA is committed to reducing the backlog of legacy appeals and ensuring that veterans receive the benefits they deserve,” Mr Wilke noted. —Julie Gould