Jim,
My thoughts about the new Fast Track programs by the VARO's in the various states as a trial are they not at the expense of the vets that have been in the system waiting for years? I am glad the VA is
trying to reduce the backlog but i do not feel the process is right, the older vet's are being left behind as with all past conflicts.
Reply:
It's my opinion that the fast track programs are all smoke and mirrors. None of those programs are working and the bottom line is that once in the system, all vets are treated the same...poorly.
Not too long ago I published a story touting the new computers in Kentucky that were supposed to help. There was a lot of money invested in upgrades of technology and training of staff to use it. Now, with all this new and costly technology if a vet goes in to a county VSO office and files a claim it gets transmitted that day to the VA Regional Office. That's instead of putting it in certified mail and it taking 3 or 4 days to arrive at the Regional Office.
Once either one of those get to the RO they are treated like all the others and the process will take a year or more. Those new computers may shave one day off a process that takes 600 days.
If that's progress, I don't want any part of it. Most of the backlog is not caused by any delays getting claims to the door of the Regional Office where the adjudication will occur. The delays are deep within the impenetrable, fortress-like walls of the 57 Regional Offices. There you'll find policies and procedures that make it impossible for the most dedicated VA employee to rapidly resolve a simple claim.
The backlog will only be resolved when the rules to adjudicate the well grounded claims are reviewed by trusted and well trained staff who can make quick and reliable decisions without any bureaucratic interference. Letting the best RVSR's do their jobs will be a big part of the ultimare solution.