Review of Alleged Supervisory Influence To Expedite a Friend’s Disability Claim at VA Regional Office New York, New York

On July 24, 2014, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) received an anonymous allegation that a supervisor working at the New York VA Regional Office (VARO) instructed claims processing staff to expedite a disability claim belonging to a friend. The supervisor admitted taking these actions to help a friend, an elderly Korean War veteran, obtain benefits as quickly as possible. Despite completing ethics training, the supervisor did not find actions to expedite processing a friend’s claim unethical. At the time of their review, OIG benefits inspectors determined claims processing staff at the New York VARO completed this veteran’s claim in 117 days, which was 36 days quicker than similar claims. OIG benefits inspectors determined the supervisors actions involved one claim and was considered an isolated incident. Additionally, OIG benefits inspectors reviewed the veteran’s claim for accuracy but did not find any irregularities relating to the disability determinations or evaluations. The New York VARO Director agreed to take appropriate action to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future as well as to ensure there is a venue to report such incidents, should any occur.