Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the VA suspended in person compensation and pension examinations (C&Ps). There were more than 230,000 C&Ps scheduled which were suspended pending the pandemic. Lawmakers frrm the House met on May 27, 2020 to discuss the growing problem. However, no one from the VA attended the meeting.
The day after the forum, the VA announced it would resume in-person exams at 20 facilities across the country. However, VA did not say how it would improve its virtual offerings, or explain how it would resume in-person exams in a relatively safe manner amidst COVID-19. As of June 19, 2020, the VA is scheduling C&Ps in approximately 25,000 US zip codes.
However, at this point, the backlog of cases at the VA has risen tremendously. In January 2020, the VA had approximately 70,000 backlogged cases. As of June 19, 2020, that number has risen to over 125,000. A backlog means that a claim has been pending for more than 125 days. The Representatives have called on the VA to provide a plan for reducing its backlog and making the C&P exam process work more smoothly.
Our office is will continue to monitor this situation and the VA’s backlog and will continue to help our Veterans in any way possible. If you have a claim for disability and need assistance, please call our office and speak with one of our qualified Veterans’ Disability attorneys. Gardberg and Kemmerly is committed to helping injured and disabled Veterans obtain the benefits they deserve. If you need help with a disability claim, call the office at 251-343-1111 or 800-332-1529 for a free consultation. Gardberg and Kemmerly is proud to serve Veterans across the country from our home office in Mobile, Alabama.