Veterans groups concerned with restrictive new VA regulations
March 24 marks a significant day for injured and ill veterans, their families and survivors across the country. From that point forward, any veteran wishing to file a disability claim or appeal with the Department of Veterans Affairs must do so on a standardized form.
Until now, veterans could use any written communication – be it an email or a handwritten note on plain paper, even on a napkin – to establish their claim. VA will now disregard these types of communications, and instead send claimants an explanation of the new rules.
While this might seem inconsequential, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is concerned that without a considerable transition period, such an abrupt change jeopardizes the effective date for many veterans’ claims. VA does not currently plan to send these veterans the proper application in response. We believe this will restrict some veterans who are unable to acquire or use these new standardized forms – many who have precious little time to waste due to the nature or severity of their injury or illness.
We believe this change goes against VA’s standard of Core Values and Core Characteristics. VA was built to be a veteran-centric system, accessible and accommodating to all our nation’s disabled heroes. We must remember that VA serves veterans of varying abilities and resources. Some may have financial or access limitations or severe mental or physical impairments that render them unable to meet these new, stringent regulations.
Should these men and women be penalized because the VA fails to provide them a window of accommodation? DAV doesn’t think so. This isn’t how we keep the promise to our veterans.
Veterans should never have to navigate the VA benefits process alone. If you or someone you know is in need of claims assistance, please contact your local DAV office at 202 W. Walnut, Enid, OK 73701; Phone 580-242-3808; or EMAIL info@nwokdav.org.
Signed
Don Eck
Commander, Northwest Oklahoma DAV
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