March 28, 2019
Veterans shouldn't have to shoulder VA errors: VA debt collection must be improved
If your monthly income suddenly dropped by $1,500 — or even more — would you be able to weather the sudden change? For how long? For many Americans, a single unexpected financial hit like that would force them to borrow money or sell something; the prospect of seeing your monthly income suddenly and unexpectedly plummet for months — or even years to come — could be completely overwhelming. That is exactly what has happened to a significant number of veterans.
The Dept. of Veterans Affairs' Debt Management Center (shortened to “debtman” in their website’s URL, a naming convention that seems to bode ill for chances of a positive customer service experience) has sent out hundreds of thousands of notification letters in the past few years and collects over $1.6 annually.
To recoup overpayments, even those that occurred due to VA’s own accounting errors, the agency is currently allowed to withhold 100 percent of veterans’ monthly benefits until the full debt has been repaid, a disruption that can prove devastating.
Read the full article in The Hill.
More from CNAS
-
Massachusetts Veteran Needs Assessment: During the Pandemic and Beyond
Reports
COVID-19 has impacted the veteran community in unprecedented ways, shining a spotlight on food insecurity, mental health, and childcare at a very challenging time....
By Nathalie Grogan, Elizabeth Howe, Danielle Lazarowitz, Emma Moore & Kayla M. Williams
-
Sharper: The Next Four Years
Commentary
America will face a range of national security challenges over the next four years. From sustaining military deterrence to bolstering the nation's economic leadership and more...
By Chris Estep & Cole Stevens
-
Trump allegedly disparaged America’s war dead. The backlash probably won’t decide the election.
Commentary
Civil-military lines are more blurred than ever....
By Jim Golby
-
John Kelly lent his military credibility to Trump. It’s too late now to stay neutral.
Commentary
There is, however, no middle ground whereby former officers can enter the political fray but then claim the mantle of nonpartisan servants when things do not turn out the way ...
By Dr. Jason Dempsey
