Dod-VA Agree on Discharge Processing

[stumpy]

No. 1198-04
IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 22, 2004

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Dod-VA Agree on Discharge and Examination Processing
The Departments of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) signed an agreement this week to implement cooperative separation processes and physical examinations for the service members at discharge sites. This initiative builds upon the 26 individual benefits delivery at discharge sites that have existing agreements, many of which date from the mid-1990s. Both departments are committed to a seamless transition process for service members.



In a memorandum of agreement (MOA), David S.C. Chu, under secretary for defense, personnel and readiness, and Gordon H. Mansfield, veterans affairs deputy secretary, agreed on several key issues for separation and disability evaluations. The examination process includes providing adequate medical resources (examining physicians, laboratory facilities, examination rooms, and support staff) and additional testing and/or screening.



The departments also agree to begin exploring the technical feasibility, schedule, and cost requirements for the implementation of an electronic physical exam, through a single, consistent electronic physical examination record, which will meet military service and VA requirements. To fulfill such requirements in the past, service members underwent two physical examinations within months of each other when service members filed for VA disability compensation. Neither of the examinations fully satisfied the needs of both VA and DoD. These redundant examinations inconvenienced service members, delayed claims processing and access to VA healthcare, and created an added cost to the federal government. This MOA helps to streamline the process without compromising the gathering of information critical to both departments.



This memorandum of agreement is one of many initiatives undertaken by the two departments to create a more seamless process for service members to access benefits.

http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/...1122-1621.html

[SFC Rick]

Before I seperated in May 2000, I had to "attend" a few briefings because I was being medically discharged. One of those briefings was put on by a VA representative, who wanted to make sure we understood what to put down on the physical questionaires, SF 88 or SF 93, not sure which at this time.

There seemed to be some differences in how the VA and the US Army conducted the physicals and how they reach their percentages of disabilities. The US Army had previously gone very light in respect to what the VA rated. It was being explained to me that a 20% from the Army would result in at least a 40% from the VA.

My concern would be how can these two different bodies agree to conduct the transitions and be fair to the veteran? In retrospect, I can see a big advantage if the serviceman can begin his VA processing before being discharged and maybe minimizing his wait time before receiving his compensation, wouldn't that be a blessing?

[USNPO2]

Hi SFC RIck,

Hope all is well. I can only speak for myself, I too started my claim prior to discharge and would advise anyone who has problems to do so. By the time I arrived to Minnesota my records were already here, and it made things a little easier for me. My initial or rather (temp assigned rating was 20). There are no certainties in this and I had to fill out one package after the othe ,or so it seemed to get my Comp and pension exams started. BE PATIENT, and do not get tired of filling out the paperwork, and NEVER miss an exam. Remember this is for you. Once everything was finalized I never had to fill anything more out. So you are very right, starting the process prior to retiring or getting out is the way to go. Also you are back paid as of the first initial claim date. For instance ...you applied in Sep but was officially rated in April you are back paid to Sep. This is hypothetical but I know you get it, and yes it is a blessing. Take care of yourself, hope info was a little helpful.
Best Wishes,
USNPO2

[neumaiek]

The VARO-Boise has instituted a MOU stating that only soldiers separating from the military who are physically in Idaho AND will reside in Idaho after discharge will be eligible for early claims processing. All others have to be held until after discharge just as before the VA/DoD MOA.

This appears to be a way to block the attempts to better serve separating active duty personnel from the timely submission of claims. OCONUS and soldiers who will be relocating to Idaho will be unable to submit their claims because of this.

After all the years the VA and DoD do something to help soldiers and now they have to return to the status quo instead of making it work for the benefit of the Veteran. Typical and illistrative of why the VA/DoD have the reputations they have.

If others have the same problem in their regions, I'd like to hear of it. If it is incontravention to the original VA/DoD MOA then this practice has got to stop. Is there some authorization for regional offices to cut deals on clalims processing?

[TinCanMan]

That's been going on in other regions as well. I'm not so sure it's a bad Idea. Just got finished talking with a young soldier that started the early review and then moved out of state before his C&P. It's causing a serious drag on processing his claim.

[neumaiek]

You are absolutely right about veterans who start a claim then bail out and move. Chances are these are the Vets that complain that the VA is at fault for taking so long to process a claim or decide against them. It is the vet's fault for not following the claim prcess and notifying the VARO of any address changes. It happens.

Further was the difficulty in pre-separation claims processing without the DD 214. I have a vet who started the claim in Germany and it was transfered to Kentucky for claims processing... It disapeared with no action and the note on the file said it couldn't be processed because of lack of DD 214.

To not even allow the Vet to start pre-separation claims process because he is not physically "home" is not a benefit to the soldier. It is anything but. It the VA/DoD had thought of this in the first place they shouldn't have made the move to "serve the soldier" and kick start the claims process for them. They started it then screwed the majority of eligible vets.

My question is also concerning the VARO offices and military facilities with their region to cut deals on which soldiers they will serve. I feel this is very wrong and discriminatory.