Wednesday, November 18, 2009

VA and DoD Expanding Disability Evaluation System Pilot

Full Article at: VA and DoD Announce Disability Evaluation System Pilot Expansion

Delivering Benefits Faster to Veterans

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To expedite the delivery of benefits to many injured servicemembers who receive disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department announced the expansion of a program with the Department of Defense (DoD) to streamline the application process for people retiring or exiting the military due to disabilities.

"Streamlining our disability claims system and working closely with DoD to care for today's generation of heroes are among VA's top priorities," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "We will never lose sight of the fact that Veterans and military personnel have sacrificed for their country and earned the right to access services from VA and DoD."

The Disability Evaluation System (DES) pilot began in November 2007 and is expanding to an additional six military installations, bringing the total number to 27 military facilities where a single physical examination serves as the basis for determining whether military personnel are fit enough to stay on active duty and to determine their eligibility for VA disability compensation. To date over 5,431 servicemembers have participated in the pilot.

The new locations will be Fort Benning, Ga.; Fort Bragg, N.C.; Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Lewis, Wash.; Fort Riley, Kan.; and Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, Va. The estimated completion date for the new expansion is scheduled for March 31, 2010."

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