All Reports

Veterans Prematurely Denied Compensation for Conditions That Could Be Associated with Burn Pit Exposure
|
21-02704-135
|
Topics:  Claims and Appeals
Related Media: Video

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 12/22/2022
Take any needed corrective actions on the four errors involving the improperly granted conditions based on burn pit exposure.
No. 2
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Review all denials of compensation claims identified as burn pit claims completed from May 1, 2020, to May 1, 2021, for conditions claimed by eligible veterans to be due to burn pit exposure; correct any errors identified; and provide certification of completion of the review to the Office of Inspector General.
No. 3
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Review all denials of compensation claims not identified as burn pit claims completed from May 1, 2020, to May 1, 2021, for conditions of bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, allergic rhinitis, sleep apnea, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease submitted by veterans who served where and when burn pits were used even if not specifically cited in the claim; correct any errors identified; and provide certification of completion of the review to the Office of Inspector General.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 3/21/2023
Update the Adjudications Procedures Manual to provide separate and specific guidance for when claims should be considered based on burn pit exposure and proper development for these claims.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 3/21/2023
Modify the examination request web-based application to add specialty language into medical opinion requests for burn pit exposure claims, to include the contents from the fact sheet for burn pit claims.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 5/30/2023
Implement a plan to develop controls that review the accuracy of rating decisions going forward to minimize improper denials for burn pit claims, correct any errors identified, and address error trends.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 3/21/2023
Update training materials and ensure they are consistent with the adjudication procedures manual guidance for developing burn pit exposure claims.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 78,300.00
Inadequate Acceptance of Supplies and Services at Regional Procurement Office West Led to $12.8 Million in Questioned Costs
|
21-01081-155
|
Topics:  Financial Management ● Supplies and Equipment

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/13/2023
Establish controls to ensure contracting officers’ representatives upload required documentation of acceptability of supplies and services to the electronic contracting officer representative file prior to payment.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/13/2023
Establish a requirement and a process for branch chiefs to consistently monitor contract administration documentation.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/7/2023
Assess existing contracts that require an electronic contracting officer representative file and take corrective actions to ensure compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2023
Establish controls to ensure contracting officers create an electronic contracting officer representative file for all contracts requiring a contracting officer’s representative.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/7/2023
Assess existing contracts to ensure contracting officers have completed contracting officer’s representative delegation memorandums, if required.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/21/2022
Establish controls to ensure contracting officers and contracting officer’s representatives have a completed contracting officer’s representative delegation memorandum in the electronic contracting officer representative file, if required.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/13/2023
Establish a quality assurance process to ensure compliance with contract administration requirements for establishing an electronic contracting officer representative file, completing contracting officer’s representative delegation memorandums, and maintaining acceptance documentation.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/21/2022
Assess whether additional training is needed to clarify officials’ roles and responsibilities for documenting acceptance of supplies and services.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 12,800,000.00
Contract Closeout Compliance Needs Improvement at Regional Procurement Offices Central and West
|
21-02599-156
|
Topics:  Contract Integrity

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/25/2023
Establish procedures for consistent quality assurance reviews to ensure all contract closeout requirements, such as identifying and deobligating excess funds, closing out contracts timely, and properly completing and uploading closeout documentation, are performed in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation and the Veterans Health Administration procurement manual. Further, update Veterans Health Administration policies and procedures to provide guidance on conducting and documenting the reviews.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/21/2022
Assess and determine how to effectively distribute contracting officer workload and address imbalances among staff to help ensure contract closeouts are completed in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation and the Veterans Health Administration procurement manual.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/21/2022
Clarify the Veterans Health Administration procurement manual to indicate when simplified acquisition procedures closeout processes are to be used and the documentation requirements for each contract closeout step.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/21/2022
Determine whether setting aside specific time weekly to focus on contract administration tasks, such as contract closeout, and using contractors to perform closeout procedures could improve contract closeout compliance.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/21/2022
Ensure the contract files for the 81 sampled contracts have complete closeout documentation in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation and the Veterans Health Administration procurement manual.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 4,400,000.00
Review of VA’s Compliance with the Payment Integrity Information Act for Fiscal Year 2021
|
22-00576-178
|
Topics:  Financial Management

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 6/29/2023
The acting under secretary for health take necessary measures to reduce improper and unknown payments to below 10 percent for Beneficiary Travel, Medical Care Contracts and Agreements, Purchased Long-Term Services and Supports, and VA Community Care programs and activities.
Mission Accountability Support Tracker Lacked Sufficient Security Controls
|
21-03080-142
|
Topics:  Information Technology and Security

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT)
Closure Date: 10/25/2022
The OIG recommends the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology develop controls to help ensure minor applications are not misclassified as assets and undergo the appropriate security accreditation and certification process.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Information and Technology (OIT),Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/7/2023
The OIG recommends the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology in conjunction with the Under Secretary for Benefits, make certain that appropriate security and privacy controls are implemented during the development of information technology systems before being hosted on VA’s network.
No. 3
Open Recommendation Image, Square
to Information and Technology (OIT),Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
The OIG recommends the Under Secretary for Benefits, in conjunction with the Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology, establish a mechanism to gain assurance that proper Office of Information Technology project management processes and protocols are followed when establishing information technology systems and applications.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 10/25/2022
The OIG recommends the Under Secretary for Benefits establish policies and procedures to ensure the Mission Accountability Support Tracker is used appropriately and does not contain unnecessary personally identifiable information.
Contract Medical Exam Program Limitations Put Veterans at Risk for Inaccurate Claims Decisions
|
21-01237-127
|
Topics:  Claims and Medical Exams

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2023
Assess and modify contracts and any renewals to ensure that vendors can be heldaccountable for unsatisfactory performance by applying monetary disincentives.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 5/5/2023
Assess and modify contracts and any renewals to ensure procedures are established for vendors to correct errors identified by the Medical Disability Examination Office.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 5/5/2023
Implement procedures requiring the Medical Disability Examination Office tocommunicate exam errors to the Office of Field Operations and the regional officesand demonstrate progress in correcting the identified errors.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2022
Implement procedures requiring the Medical Disability Examination Office toanalyze all available error data and provide systemic exam issues and error trends tovendors.
Suicide Prevention Coordinators Need Improved Training, Guidance, and Oversight
|
20-02186-78
|
Topics:  Mental Health

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/12/2023
Ensure program officials in collaboration with regional and local leaders address call management system data integrity issues before they use data to assess the management of referrals.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/1/2023
Have the program office develop formal training and guidance for coordinators on how to use patient outcome codes and regional and local leaders ensure the training is completed.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/1/2023
Ensure regional and local managers regularly review crisis line referral information in the electronic health records to verify coordinators are completing and documenting appropriate follow-up on referrals and the program office performs regular audits, monitors, reports upon, and initiates actions, as needed, to ensure compliance with and completion of referral follow-up.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/12/2023
Consider guidance within coordinators’ training tools to clarify the expectations for coordinators to follow up on referred veterans who have been hospitalized in a non-VA hospital, admitted to an emergency department (VA and non-VA), or provided a welfare check.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/1/2023
Have regional and local managers monitor coordinators’ call attempts to ensure they are interspersed over a three-day period and provide them with referral closure information to assist in their monitoring.
Purchases of Smartphones and Tablets for Veterans’ Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic
|
21-02125-132
|
Topics:  COVID-19

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/5/2023
Establish a realistic goal for days in storage along with a process for closely monitoring days in storage and taking corrective actions when the goal is not met.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/5/2023
Perform a cost-benefit analysis in conjunction with VA contracting officials and the contractor to determine whether a new process can be implemented that initiates the data plan when a device is issued to the veteran or otherwise reduces unused plan costs.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 2,336,381.00
Atlanta VA Health Care System’s Unopened Mail Backlog with Patient Health Information and Community Care Provider Claims
|
21-03916-103
|
Topics:  Community Care

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/22/2022
The director of VISN 7 ensures the Atlanta VA Health Care System develops and implements a plan for the routine proper and prompt processing of mail. That plan should include adequate staffing of the mailroom and sufficient training for mailroom personnel.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/22/2023
The director of VISN 7 assists the Atlanta VA Health Care System in taking steps when appropriate to recoup money owed from expired checks that were identified in the mail backlog.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/23/2023
The under secretary for health assess the negative effects of this mail backlog on veterans, community care providers, and other parties, and where possible take steps to remedy those effects.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/17/2023
The under secretary for health determines if unprocessed mail backlogs exist at other VA medical facilities.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/17/2022
The under secretary for health develops procedures and controls to make certain that medical facility personnel taking over POM on-site mail processing have the necessary resources and expertise to accomplish this work accurately and within prescribed timelines.
Additional Actions Can Help Prevent Benefits Payments from Being Sent to Deceased Veterans
|
21-00836-124
|
Topics:  Claims and Medical Exams ● Financial Management

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 12/20/2022
The under secretary for benefits implements procedures to identify failed automated weekly death matches and demonstrate progress towards processing all failed matches.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/28/2023
The under secretary for benefits implements a process to review the social security number verification program and demonstrate progress towards ensuring the accuracy of social security numbers in VBA’s electronic systems.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/28/2023
The under secretary for benefits implements an intra-agency data-sharing process with the Veterans Health Administration and demonstrate progress in obtaining information on veterans’ deaths.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 677,385.00
VA’s Compliance with the VA Transparency & Trust Act of 2021
|
22-00879-118
|
Topics:  Financial Management

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 4/6/2023
Consult with appropriate VA financial and legal officials to determine whether the use of CARES Act funds for the Beaufort National Shrine project violates the Purpose Statute and, if a violation occurred, take the steps necessary to remedy the violation.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 4/6/2023
Determine the obligations to sustain essential information technology investments, update the obligation schedule as necessary, provide an updated spend plan to Congress, and include this information in future biweekly updates.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 3,600,000.00
Review of Allegations of Improper Maintenance at VA’s Houston National Cemetery
|
21-03325-86
|
Topics:  Maintenance and Construction

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
Closure Date: 3/10/2022
Revise the equipment policy to include provisions and timelines to resume routine activities, such as required preventive maintenance checks, which could be affected by natural disasters or emergencies, such as the COVID 19 pandemic.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
Closure Date: 9/26/2022
Provide an action plan and timeline to repair the headstones or sod in the 65 gravesites the team identified.
Public Disability Benefits Questionnaires Reinstated but Controls Could Be Strengthened
|
21-02750-63

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/11/2022
Revise the Veterans Benefits Administration’s adjudication procedures manual to clarify and communicate steps that claims processors must take to ensure all certification elements on the publicly available disability benefits questionnaires are provided and are authentic.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/11/2022
Update the Veterans Benefits Administration’s adjudication procedures manual to clarify the intent of guidance involving authenticity, face value, and validation of publicly available disability benefits questionnaires to ensure claims processors evaluate the questionnaires in accordance with evidentiary principles
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/26/2022
Implement actions to facilitate claims processors’ understanding of the need to document the evaluation of evidence within benefits entitlement decisions when using publicly available disability benefits questionnaires.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 7/21/2022
Amend the Veterans Benefits Administration’s adjudication procedures manual to define valid rationale to ensure medical opinions are well supported when deciding entitlement to benefits.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/30/2024

Correct all processing errors on cases identified by the review team and report the results to the Office of Inspector General.

Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 88,700.00
First-Party Billing Address Management Needs Improvement to Ensure Veteran Debt Notification before Collection Actions
|
20-03086-70
|
Topics:  Healthcare Infrastructure

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/21/2024

Develop and execute a project management plan to evaluate and correct Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture address data used to mail first-party billing statements.

No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 12/10/2025

Establish controls to periodically review and reconcile Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture address data used to mail first-party billing statements.

No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/7/2025

Improve policies detailing roles, responsibilities, and procedures for remediating returned billing statements and steps for flagging and updating outdated billing addresses

VA’s Use of the Defense Logistics Agency’s Electronic Catalog for Medical Items
|
20-00552-30
|
Topics:  Financial Management ● Supplies and Equipment

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 11/21/2022
Update the Electronic Catalog Ordering Guide with additional guidance to clarify the requirement to consider Federal Supply Schedule contracts before ordering medical supplies and equipment through the Defense Logistics Agency’s Electronic Catalog and monitor compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/31/2023
Establish a process to monitor orders through the Defense Logistics Agency’s Electronic Catalog to identify recurring acquisitions that could be purchased through other contract vehicles at a lower price.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/31/2023
Require a justification for every order through the Defense Logistics Agency’s Electronic Catalog if a Federal Supply Schedule contract is available.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/28/2024

Correct and monitor compliance with the Rule of Two diagram in the Electronic Catalog Ordering Guide.

No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/28/2024

Establish a process to ensure appropriate documentation and audits of orders in accordance with the Electronic Catalog Ordering Guide.

No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/31/2023
Conduct and document annual reviews as required in the interagency agreement.
Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 4,420,878.00
Improvements Needed to Ensure Final Disposition of Unclaimed Veterans’ Remains
|
19-09592-262

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Enterprise Integration (OEI)
Closure Date: 4/26/2023
The OIG recommended the assistant secretary for the Office of Enterprise Integration designate a senior accountable official or program office for the full scope of benefits and services provided on behalf of deceased veterans whose remains are unclaimed. This official or office should be charged with ensuring that VA’s benefits and services for unclaimed veterans comply with applicable federal enterprise risk management and internal control standards.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Enterprise Integration (OEI)
Closure Date: 12/13/2022
The OIG recommended the assistant secretary for the Office of Enterprise Integration conduct a program evaluation of all VA benefits and services for deceased veterans whose remains are unclaimed in compliance with applicable laws and VA regulations. This evaluation should consider the extent to which existing law requires VA to conduct outreach on behalf of deceased veterans whose remains are unclaimed. This evaluation should also ensure the benefits and services are assigned to the appropriate VA program offices and the offices are given authority to administer these programs.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Enterprise Integration (OEI)
Closure Date: 10/15/2024

The OIG recommended the assistant secretary for the Office of Enterprise Integration coordinate and implement data sharing agreements with other agencies or organizations with records of deceased veterans whose remains are unclaimed or veterans not included in VA databases.

No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Enterprise Integration (OEI)
Closure Date: 1/25/2023
The OIG recommended the assistant secretary for the Office of Enterprise Integration determine eligibility and take action to facilitate dignified burials for these persons with unclaimed remains whose records the OIG referred to VA.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Enterprise Integration (OEI)
Closure Date: 10/31/2022
The OIG recommended the assistant secretary for the Office of Enterprise Integration develop a comprehensive estimate of the number of deceased veterans whose remains are unclaimed awaiting burial, including those held at locations other than funeral homes.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Office of Management (OM)
Closure Date: 8/10/2023
The OIG recommended the assistant secretary for management and chief financial officer implement controls for payments made to individual payees or other entities on behalf of deceased veterans whose remains are unclaimed that can be cross referenced across current VA payment systems and ensure that staff involved with issuing payments are trained in the correct use of these controls.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/3/2022
The OIG recommended the under secretary for benefits implement monitoring mechanisms, procedures, and recurring training for VA regional office directors on their responsibilities for facilitating burials for deceased veterans whose remains are unclaimed.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/3/2022
The OIG recommended the under secretary for benefits require points of contact for indigent and unclaimed veterans outreach to regularly complete the outreach functions listed in VA Manual 27 1, chapter 11. VBA should ensure points of contact receive recurring training in these tasks and implement ongoing compliance activities.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/10/2023
The OIG recommended the under secretary for health direct VHA leadership to assess the extent to which personnel in the former VHA Office of Operations and Management and the VHA Office of Member Services were not performing required oversight activities and take appropriate action.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
Closure Date: 8/3/2022
The OIG recommended the under secretary for memorial affairs implement system indicators in NCA systems to show when veterans’ remains are unclaimed without relying on a manually updated spreadsheet. These system indicators should enable tracking mechanisms to ensure required follow ups are performed on completed burial eligibility determinations without a scheduled interment and identify repeat burial eligibility requests.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
Closure Date: 1/25/2023
The OIG recommended the under secretary for memorial affairs in coordination with the Secretary’s Center for Strategic Partnerships, assess options for providing a suitable casket or urn to a deceased veteran whose remains are unclaimed rather than a monetary reimbursement.
Follow-Up Review of the Accuracy of Special Monthly Compensation Housebound Benefits
|
20-04219-07
|
Topics:  Claims and Appeals

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 11/16/2022
Review all active high-risk special monthly compensation housebound cases, render new decisions as appropriate, ensure the corrective actions were taken, and conduct a documented quality review of corrective actions.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 11/16/2022
Implement a plan to conduct ongoing periodic reviews of completed active high-risk special monthly compensation housebound cases, render new decisions as appropriate, ensure the corrective actions were taken, and conduct a documented quality review of corrective actions.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 11/16/2022
Update the special monthly compensation housebound training to include guidance on and examples of statutory, housebound in fact, individual unemployability, and extraschedular criteria, and monitor the effectiveness of the training.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 7/27/2022
Create a system enhancement to limit the statutory special monthly compensation housebound validation warning to trigger only when statutory housebound criteria are met but not addressed.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 5/23/2022
Create a system enhancement to prohibit rating veterans service representatives from bypassing statutory housebound validation warnings without taking action or providing justification.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 10/25/2023

Correct all processing errors on cases identified by the review team and report the results to the OIG.

Total Monetary Impact of All Recommendations
Open: $ 0.00
Closed: $ 136,000,000.00
Displaying 101 - 120 of 332