Summary
A Congressional subcommittee discussed problems with the way medical exams for veteran disability benefits are conducted. Issues include exams happening in poor conditions and errors that affect benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outsources most exams to private companies, but oversight and quality control have been lacking.
Key Facts
- Over 90% of medical exams for veterans' disability benefits are outsourced to private companies.
- Lawmakers reported exams conducted in conditions like hotel rooms, affecting their quality and accessibility.
- The House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee held an oversight hearing to address these issues.
- A Government Accountability Office report found millions in overpayments to vendors not meeting performance standards.
- The VA's Medical Disability Examination Office has been criticized for insufficient oversight of private contractors.
- Some veterans do not receive the benefits they earned due to poor exam conditions and errors.
- The process involves a multi-billion dollar program with a focus on reducing wait times by outsourcing to external firms.
