All Reports

Date Issued
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Report Number
16-02241-375

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/11/2019
We recommended that the System Director ensure that primary care appointment scheduling processes are assessed and action is taken to ensure timely access for new and established patients.
Date Issued
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Report Number
17-02073-317

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2017
We recommended the Detroit VA Regional Office Director develop and implement a plan to improve the accuracy of the second-signature review process for higher-level Special Monthly Compensation and ancillary benefits.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/20/2018
We recommended the Detroit VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to conduct comprehensive training for Claims Assistants that emphasizes the importance of ensuring all elements are considered when establishing claims, and assess the effectiveness of that training.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/21/2017
We recommended the Detroit VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to modify the quality review checklist on claims establishment to include claim label and claimed issue classification indicators.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/20/2018
We recommended the Detroit VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to ensure staff adhere to Veterans Benefits Administration policy and use the correct dates of claim for end products 500 used to manage special controlled correspondence.
Date Issued
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Report Number
15-04546-374

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/20/2017
We recommended that the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Director ensure that patients in the Community Living Center receive appropriate fall risk ratings and individualized fall intervention plans.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/27/2018
We recommended that the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Director ensure compliance with Veterans Health Administration policies on Emergency Department provider coverage.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 7/26/2018
We recommended that the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center Director ensure compliance with Veterans Health Administration and Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center policies on hand hygiene practices.
Date Issued
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Report Number
17-02079-328

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/19/2018
We recommended that the San Juan VA Regional Office Director develop and implement a plan to ensure secondary reviewers accurately evaluate higher-level special monthly compensation and ancillary benefits claims.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 5/14/2018
We recommended that the San Juan VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to ensure Veterans Service Center claims processing staff receive additional training on systems compliance and claims establishment procedures.
Date Issued
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Report Number
17-00712-366

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/22/2018
We recommended that the Veterans Integrated Service Network 12 Director improve oversight of the Dental Clinic by performing unannounced inspections that include opportunities to interview staff privately regarding any concerns.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/22/2018
We recommended that the Facility Director improve oversight of the Dental Clinic by conducting unannounced, detailed inspections to ensure adherence to Veterans Health Administration and facility infection control standards, patient safety guidelines, and other pertinent dental policies and procedures.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/22/2018
We recommended that the Facility Director conduct training on when it is appropriate to report issues relating to the quality of healthcare or patient safety issues and the various options on where to report.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/10/2017
We recommended that the Facility Director consult with the Office of Human Resources and the Office of General Counsel to determine the appropriate administrative action, if any, for staff who failed to report the reuse of unsterile burs on patients.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/22/2018
We recommended that the Facility Director ensure Environment of Care rounds are scheduled when all areas of the Dental Clinic are available to be inspected.
Date Issued
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Report Number
15-03288-362

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/24/2018
We recommended that the Facility Director ensure that Urgent Care Clinic providers consistently transfer stroke patients to an appropriate acute care facility in accordance with Veterans Health Administration and facility policies and procedures.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/7/2017
We recommended that the Facility Director ensure that the Peer Review Committee follows Veterans Health Administration policy.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 9/7/2017
We recommended that the Facility Director ensure that facility managers clinically review the records of the 13 patients not transferred to the non-VA acute care hospital, approximately 2.5 miles away, to determine whether patient harm occurred and take action as appropriate.
Date Issued
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Report Number
14-03822-359

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/16/2018
We recommended that the Amarillo VA Health Care System Director ensure that community based outpatient clinics are appropriately staffed to provide care.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/16/2018
We recommended that the Amarillo VA Health Care System Director ensure that managers conduct clinical reviews of the three Clovis Community Based Outpatient Clinic patients discussed in this report to determine whether a delay in follow-up adversely affected their outcomes and take action as appropriate.
Date Issued
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Report Number
17-02150-340

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 3/20/2018
We recommended the St. Louis VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to provide refresher training on Special Monthly Compensation and monitor the effectiveness of that training.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 3/20/2018
We recommended the St. Louis VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to ensure Special Monthly Compensation rating decisions receive a second signature review by a designated subject matter expert for processing.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 3/20/2018
We recommended the St. Louis VA Regional Office Director implement a training plan, conducted by qualified staff, on the proper processing of rating reductions, and monitor the effectiveness of that training.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/7/2017
We recommended the St. Louis VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to ensure rating reduction cases are processed at the end of the due process time period to minimize overpayments.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 3/20/2018
We recommended the St. Louis VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to monitor the effectiveness of recent training for claims establishment.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/5/2018
We recommended the St. Louis VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to ensure data input at the time of claims establishment is reviewed for accuracy.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/5/2018
We recommended the St. Louis VA Regional Office Director implement a training plan on how to properly process special controlled correspondence, and monitor the effectiveness of that training.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 9/7/2017
We recommended the St. Louis VA Regional Office Director allocate resources to process special controlled correspondence to ensure timely responses.
Date Issued
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Report Number
16-00552-341

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2018
We recommended that Physician Utilization Management Advisors consistently document their decisions in the National Utilization Management Integration database and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/19/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure floors and rolling equipment in patient care areas are clean and in good repair and monitor compliance.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/7/2018
We recommended that the facility review quality assurance data for the anticoagulation management program monthly at Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee meetings and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure clinicians consistently obtain all required laboratory tests prior to initiating anticoagulants.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/7/2018
We recommended that for employees actively involved in the anticoagulant program, clinical managers include in competency assessments pharmacology of anticoagulants, monitoring requirements, dose calculation, common side effects, nutrient interactions associated with anticoagulation therapy, and drug to drug interactions associated with anticoagulation therapy and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/6/2018
We recommended that the laboratory director develop and implement a process to ensure employee competency for point-of-care testing with glucometers.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2018
We recommended that the laboratory director ensure employees who perform glucose testing at the point of care have annual competencies for glucometers and that facility managers monitor compliance.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure the Community Nursing Home Oversight Committee includes representation by all required clinical disciplines.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure the Community Nursing Home Review Team completes required annual reviews and monitor compliance.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure social workers and registered nurses conduct and document cyclical visits with the frequency required by Veterans Health Administration policy for community nursing home oversight and monitor compliance.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2018
We recommended that the facility implement an Employee Threat Assessment Team or an alternate group that addresses employee-related disruptive behavior.
No. 12
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/7/2018
We recommended that facility managers ensure all employees receive Level 1 Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior training and additional training as required for their assigned risk area within 90 days of hire and that the training is documented in employee training records.
Date Issued
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Report Number
17-00970-327

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/29/2018
We recommended the Wilmington VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to assess the effectiveness of second-signature reviews for Special Monthly Compensation and Ancillary Benefits claims.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 4/6/2018
We recommended the Wilmington VA Regional Office Director implement plans to ensure the effectiveness of training conducted on processing claims for higher-level Special Monthly Compensation and Ancillary Benefits.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 1/29/2018
We recommended that the Wilmington VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to ensure management provides a consistent quality review process which addresses all elements required when establishing claims in the electronic record and monitor the effectiveness of that plan.
Date Issued
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Report Number
16-02526-358

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/22/2018
We recommended that the Facility Director ensure that consult clinical reviews and appointment scheduling for patients are conducted in compliance with Veterans Health Administration directives and system policies.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/17/2018
We recommended that Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services have sufficient staffing to arrange for timely consultations and appointments within the service.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/10/2018
We recommended that the Facility staff who schedule Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services patient appointments receive annual scheduling competencies to ensure understanding of the correct process for compliance with Veterans Health Administration directives and staff are monitored for compliance.
Date Issued
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Report Number
17-01354-336

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/21/2018
We recommended the Denver VA Regional Director implement a plan to complete proposed rating reduction cases at the end of the due process period.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 4/23/2018
We recommended that the Denver VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to ensure all claims processing staff receive formal training on claims establishment procedures and monitor the effectiveness of that training.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/21/2018
We recommended the Denver VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to ensure data input at the time of claims establishment is reviewed for accuracy.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/21/2018
We recommended the Denver VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to update the checklist used to evaluate quality at the time of claims establishment.
Date Issued
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Report Number
15-00650-353

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/29/2017
We recommended that the Facility Director ensure that outpatient echocardiography and stress test consult requests are scheduled and completed in accordance with Veterans Health Administration policy.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/29/2017
We recommended that the Facility Director ensure that sleep study consult requests are scheduled and completed within the timeframe required by Veterans Health Administration policy.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 3/29/2018
We recommended that the Facility Director ensure that patients’ cardiac diagnostic and procedure reports are signed within the timeframe specified by policy to ensure appropriate follow-up and patient care coordination.
Date Issued
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Report Number
17-01276-300

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2017
We recommended the Philadelphia VA Regional Office Director develop and implement a plan to assess the accuracy of secondary reviews involving higher-level Special Monthly Compensation and ancillary benefits.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/24/2017
We recommended the Philadelphia VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to ensure prioritization of proposed rating reduction cases for completion at the expiration of the due process time period.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2018
We recommended the Philadelphia VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to assess the effectiveness of the most recent claims establishment training.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2018
We recommended the Philadelphia VA Regional Office Director provide training on special controlled correspondence to ensure accurate and complete responses to the veteran and Congressional staff, and monitor the effectiveness of the training.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/12/2018
We recommended the Philadelphia VA Regional Office Director improve oversight of special controlled correspondence.
Date Issued
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Report Number
15-03418-350

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/3/2019
We recommended that the Veterans Integrated Service Network Director ensure that VA Maryland Health Care System managers strengthen patient flow processes.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 10/26/2018
We recommended that the Veterans Integrated Service Network Director ensure that VA Maryland Health Care System managers evaluate staff's Emergency Department Integrated Software data entry and implement action plans to ensure data accuracy and timeliness.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/16/2018
We recommended that the Veterans Integrated Service Network Director ensure that the VA Maryland Health Care System managers strengthen Patient Flow Committee processes to include the establishment of patient flow goals, action target dates, and oversight of action implementation.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/23/2017
We recommended that the System Director ensure that policy regarding patients boarding in the Emergency Department include all required elements.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/16/2018
We recommended that the System Director strengthen Bed Management Solution utilization and processes, and monitor compliance.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/3/2019
We recommended that the System Director strengthen processes to improve timeliness of bed cleaning.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 5/14/2018
We recommended that the System Director review the impact of inpatient medicine admission capping and establish alternative plans that improve patient flow from the Emergency Department, monitor outcomes, and implement alternative plans as warranted.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/3/2019
We recommended that the System Director review and address processes that contribute to delays of inpatient discharge.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 4/3/2019
We recommended that the System Director strengthen nursing service communication processes to ensure consistent inpatient care coverage and nurses' availability for Emergency Department handoff.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 8/23/2017
We recommended that the System Director evaluate the adequacy of Emergency Department administrative support staffing and take appropriate action.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Closure Date: 1/11/2019
We recommended that the System Director improve and monitor compliance with response time requirements for after-hour computerized tomography scan services.
Date Issued
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Report Number
17-00394-298

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No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/21/2018
We recommended the Louisville VA Regional Office Director assess the effectiveness of the most recent refresher training for higher level special monthly compensation.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 2/21/2018
We recommended the Louisville VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to strengthen oversight and assess the accuracy of secondary reviews involving higher-level special monthly compensation and ancillary benefits.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/23/2017
We recommended the Louisville VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to ensure prioritization of proposed rating reduction cases for completion at the expiration of the due process time period.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/23/2017
We recommended the Louisville VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to conduct training that emphasizes date of claim policies and accurate contention classifications, and to monitor the effectiveness of the training.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
Closure Date: 8/23/2017
We recommended the Louisville VA Regional Office Director implement a plan to strengthen oversight for newly hired staff who establish claims.