Shinseki wants more VA claims processors, all-electronic claims system

The Associated Press reports today on the new head of the VA, Eric K. Shinseki, and his intentions. Among them:

• Reducing the six month delays in paying out disability claims.
• Quickly implementing an all-electronic claims system to expedite the process, phasing out paper processing, possibly by 2012.
• Hiring 1,100 more VA staff members this year to deal with case backlog.
• Launching a "topdown" review of the Department of Veteran Affairs.
• Submitting a "credible and adequate 2010 budget request" that promises cost-effectiveness while concurrently completely sensitive to vets in need.

That's a lot to deliver.

Lets hope Ralph Waldo Emerson was wrong, (in this case of Shinseki's promises), in saying, "All promise outruns performance."

-Dippold