The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it has implemented a new policy that eliminates the need for veterans to complete an annual eligibility verification report in order to ensure that pension benefits are continued, according to a news release.
Under the new initiative, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will work with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify continued eligibility for pension benefits.
“By working together, we have cut red tape for veterans and will ensure these brave men and women get the benefits they have earned and deserved,” Eric K. Shinseki, secretary of Veterans Affairs, stated in the release.
VA employees that normally process eligibility verification reports will now focus on eliminating the compensation claims backlog.
“The IRS is taking new steps to provide critical data to help speed the benefits process for the nation’s veterans and Veterans Affairs,” Beth Tucker, IRS deputy commissioner for operations support, stated in the release. “The IRS is pleased to be part of a partnership with VA and SSA that will provide data quickly and effectively to move this effort forward.”
All beneficiaries currently receiving VA pension benefits will receive a letter from VA explaining the changes and providing instructions on how to continue to submit their unreimbursed medical expenses.
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