Oakland Veterans Disability Claims Delays Are a Disgrace

I was appalled when I read in the paper about the long delays in processing veterns' disability claims in the VA's Oakland Regional Office.  The Office of the Inspector General released a report on May 10, 2012 and sent it to the relevant congresspersons on May 11th.  Some veterans have been waiting up to 8 years for their claims to be processed.  As a physician, I know assessing medical complaints that do not fit neatly into a category can be difficult, but this is inexcusable.

I went to a meeting today in San Francisco put on by Congresswoman Jackie Speier to address the problem of the backlog of disability claims.  There were at least 300 veterans who came to vent to the VA and congressional staff and to get help with their claims.  One woman turned in the paperwork and was told it was all in order.  This was the same paperwork she had turned in 2 years ago.  She was told she would have to wait another 90 days.  

Congressman McNerney (Pleasanton) has been working for his constituents on this for several years. One veteran thanked Ms. Speier for her help in resolving his issues.  Oakland's representative, Barbara Lee, according to her website said that "I led the charge earlier this week to demand that the VA be held accountable."  Her office is in the same building as the VA office.  I would think she would have been aware and taken action before last week.

This debacle begs the question: Are these the people you want to process your medical care claims?