Inspection of VA Regional Office Denver, Colorado

We evaluated the Denver VARO to see how well it accomplishes this mission. VARO staff did not accurately process 20 (33 percent) of 60 disability claims we reviewed. Specifically, 16 of the 30 temporary 100 percent disability evaluations we reviewed were inaccurate. Generally, errors in processing the temporary evaluations occurred because staff did not establish controls to ensure scheduling of future medical reexaminations to reevaluate these cases. This occurred due to incorrect guidance and ineffective training. In addition, VARO staff inaccurately processed 4 of 30 traumatic brain injury claims. VARO managers generally ensured staff completed Systematic Analyses of Operations and addressed Gulf War veterans’ entitlement to mental health treatment as required. Denver VARO staff provided adequate, but limited, outreach to homeless veterans. The VARO Director concurred with our recommendation.