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
-
Sharper: Serving America's Veterans
Commentary
As America’s military continues to struggle to meet recruiting targets, the proper treatment of veterans and servicemembers is increasingly vital to ensure the All-Volunteer F...
By Anna Pederson & Andrew Spafford
-
Christopher Kolenda, "Zero Sum Victory: What we’re Getting Wrong about War"
Video
Christopher Kolenda (ret.); Adjunct Senior Fellow, the Center for a New American Security; Founder of the Strategic Leaders Academy; Retired Army Colonel presentation on:"Zero...
By Christopher D. Kolenda
-
Greater San Antonio Military & Veteran Family Needs Assessment
Reports
This needs assessment examines issues facing the Greater San Antonio military community—its military personnel, military families, veterans, and veterans’ families. In additio...
By Nathalie Grogan, Katherine L. Kuzminski & Celina Pouchet
-
Transitioning to Tech
Reports
Military experience provides service members with a range of technical and soft skills that can prepare them for meaningful employment in the private sector....
By Dr. Jason Dempsey, Katherine L. Kuzminski, Nathalie Grogan & Cody Kennedy
