“If Dunkin’ Donuts can replace its polystyrene cup, can Veterans Affairs build a new disability case processing system?”
“The question isn’t random. The coffee cup change for Dunkin’, announced this week, presents a crucial strategic challenge. The company operates 9,000 outlets. In some parts of Massachusetts, you can’t travel a linear mile without encountering one.”
“…When you consider the supply chain, logistics and operational implications of changing such a fundamental commodity, you realize that Dunkin’ is undertaking a major update…”
“Veterans Affairs is under statutory mandate to replace its disability appeals process. It applies to vets who have appealed an initial denial of disability claims. A backlog of half a million cases has accumulated.”
“Congress’s plan, enacted last August, gives veterans more appeals options. Appeals now take years. The goal is for them to take weeks. In its implementation plan, VA details both the processes and the modifications to information technology systems they’ll require.”
“VA states only “minimal” changes are needed to its case management system. It promises to use agile development to make them. It cites that very approach in further stating “predicting a final timeline [is] nearly impossible.” It adds, “virtually all provisions of the statute can be met using manual workarounds…”
“The Government Accountability Office, as required by the legislation, has already issued a report…” Read the full post here.
Source: VA’s mighty appeals challenge – By Tom Temin, February 8, 2018. Federal News Radio.
