VA Working To Update Schedule Rating For Disabilities

The Department of Veteran Affairs in cooperation with The Government Accountability Office are working to update (VASRD) the VA Schedule For Rating Disabilites.  The past assessment process relied on the degree of medical severity as evidenced by visible symptoms as the disease progresses.

The VA is challenged to formulate a modern comprehensive approach to assessment utilizing current data from  The Internal Revenue Service and The Social Security Administration.  Mining collected information to determine the effect an impairment has on income. 

Rating formula's focus on functional impairment when revising criteria for categories of disability.  This incorporates a more individualized approach recognizing two veterans with similar medical diagnosis may have different levels of impairment.  This broadens the providers view of the impairment establishing some precision to the measure of functional ability.

This is a needs based strategy popular in the managed care model.  Given the changes in technology, needs can be met utilizing an option the veteran finds most helpful.  Resource allocation is no longer one size fits all, but what will actually benefit this individual veteran in their daily activities. 

The Department of Veteran Affairs is challenged to use the analyzed information from large systems of collection to develop research based policy.   The policy will guide an assembled infrastructure capable of organizing an update to the process while continuing to serve the veteran population.  Policy must maintain existing service levels while incorporating the updated change. 

Home Care Path reminds seniors that utilizing staff in the process to update VASRD may play a role in the way claims for benefits are being completed.   This is a large task for the VA system and it may be helpful for all of us to be aware the whole system is working toward this update.

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com is a leading senior care provider serving south central Wisconsin.  Services include:
-in home staffing with help for ADL's and IADL's
-inpatient advocacy for safe successful hospital stays
-crisis intervention with transitional counseling
-temporary help with a scheduled day surgery
-packing and shipping with holiday gift giving season
-reducing home contents when stuff matters
-communicate face to face on the computer across long distances
Simply call 608-432-4286 to schedule and in home interview.  2012 rates are 20.00 per hour.  Email lkutzke@homecarepath.onmicrosoft.com  Services are tax deductible.  We accept long term care insurance.  We can be there when you are working.  Valuing home and human life.