Monterey, CA Overpayment Of Veterans Benefits Cost Government Over $1 Billion

by Richard Kuehn on 01/26/13

View From A Non-Profit Serving Carmel, Carmel Valley, Gonzalez, Greenfield, King City, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Salinas, Seaside And Soledad California

Some disabled veterans may be in for a financial shock after the Department of Veterans Affairs announced it had overpaid 12,800 vets to the tune of $943 million between 1993 and 2009.  The House Veterans Affairs Committee plans to hold a hearing on the issue in February and it's possible they may be asking for some of the money back.  This could be a terrible blow to many veterans who have most likely already spent the money.  It's a shame to see impoverished disabled veterans punished because the Veterans Affairs office improperly calculated the amount of money they should receive.  Another form of waste, according to the government, is that many claims examiners don't seek a follow-up exam after someone has filed for temporary disability, so expect these visits to ramp up.  Thankfully there are rules in place that preclude the government from recouping overpaid funds which have been given to someone who has been rated 100% disabled.  Hopefully the Department of Veterans Affairs can upgrade their software so that benefits can be accurately tracked and paid.  Both of our Platinum sponsors, Alliance Home Health and Family inHome Caregiving of Monterey, see veterans frequently and they deserve all the help they can get after their dedicated service to our country.

Please note that this blog reflects my personal opinion and may or may not reflect the opinion of Hands To Help Seniors and the individual members comprising the Board of Governors.