VA: Better Training Speeds Claims Processing

Accuracy of evaluations improves too, officials say.

The Veterans Affairs Department reports that a new and improved  “Challenge” training program has speeded up disability claims processing and improved accuracy.

VA said it has doubled classroom training time to more than eight weeks and improved the curriculum for folks who rate disability claims. The result? A 150 percent boost in claims processing and a 30 percent increase in accuracy.

More on this in our news columns tomorrow after Undersecretary for Benefits Allison Hickey -- last seen in public being roasted by Rep. Bob Filner, D, Calif  -- details the training program in a media briefing.