Investigation Found Pattern of Data Manipulation, Wait Times for Claims-Related Inquiries Exceeding 300 Days / Inspector General Issued 35 Recommendations- In New Letter, Casey Will Call for Swift Implementation / Casey Has Led Senate Efforts to Reduce Backlog of Disability Claims, Convening Bipartisan Working Group and Pushing Legislation that Would Substantially Reform Broken Process
Philadelphia PA- On the heels of a shocking report detailing delays and mismanagement at the Philadelphia VA Regional Office, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), joined by veterans from across the region, called on VA officials to expedite implementation of the Inspector General’s recommendations. Following months of investigation the Inspector General’s report found a pattern of data manipulation, wait times for claims-related inquiries exceeding 300 days and a pattern of behavior that left veterans without the services they’ve earned. In a new letter to the VA’s Under Secretary for Benefits and the Director of the Philadelphia Regional Office Casey called for swift implementation of the 35 Inspector General’s recommendations. Casey has led Senate efforts to reduce the backlog of disability claims convening a bipartisan working group and pushing legislation that would substantially reform the broken claims process.
“The report issued last week by the VA OIG on the Philadelphia VA Regional Offices was shocking. It’s clear that top officials at the Philadelphia VA Regional Office failed miserably in their duty to provide the region’s veterans with high quality services and benefits. The disturbing details of this report demonstrate the immediate need for full scale reform at the Philadelphia VARO,” Senator Casey said. “Veterans and their families have made tremendous sacrifices for their country. It is crucial the claims are processed timely and accurately. We need to move the process into the 21st century.”
The full text of Casey’s letter can be seen below. The IG’s report can be view here.
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