The Veteran Affairs Department's paperless claims processing system ended up on the list of troubled IT projects that are up for review and possible termination. I wonder if federal Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra has a back up plan if he delays or cancels the paperless project.
A fast growing population of Afghanistan and Iraq veterans pushed the number of claims filed with VA past the 1 million mark for the first time in 2009, and it expects claims this year to reach 1.2 million and in 2011 top 1.3 million, Michael Walcoff, acting undersecretary for benefits, told a House committee hearing in June.
VA has budgeted $145 million in fiscal 2011 for paperless claims processing, which Walcoff told the hearing it needs to keep from drowning in the applications.
I wonder how long Kundra can hold VA's paperless claims system hostage before vet organizations such as the VFW and their pals in Congress raise a ruckus?
Bob Brewin
Bob Brewin joined Government Executive in April 2007, bringing with him more than 20 years of experience as a journalist focusing on defense issues and technology. Bob covers the world of defense and information technology for Nextgov, and is the author of the “What’s Brewin” blog.
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