“The Veterans Affairs Department’s internal watchdog has uncovered widespread errors in how the agency awards benefits to some of its most vulnerable patients: those diagnosed with the devastating neurological disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.”
“VA Inspector General Michael Missal, in a review released Tuesday, found that dozens of veterans suffering from ALS were deprived of financial support because staff mishandled their benefits claims.”
“Officials with the inspector general’s office are concerned that the Veterans Benefits Administration, under pressure from Congress and veterans service organizations to reduce an enormous backlog of compensation claims and appeals, may be cutting corners…”
“Officials estimated that if the errors continue at the same rate over the next five years, VA will fail to pay $7.5 million in benefits to ALS patients and award an additional $6.5 million in erroneous payments…” Read the full article here.
Source: Some veterans with ALS were deprived of health care benefits, VA watchdog finds – By Lisa Rein, November 20, 2018. Washington Post.
