On Tuesday, June 6, AFGE NVAC National Representative Dave Bump testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, and the Subcommittee on Technology Modernization.
The hearing, titled “From Months to Hours: The Future of VA Benefits Claim Processing,” was an opportunity for AFGE NVAC to discuss the technological challenges facing the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and importantly, to offer suggestions for improving the use of technology at VBA.
In his remarks, Bump raised concerns about the VA’s modernization plan and the negative impact of replacing human processors with technology, underscoring that, “It is important that our approach to the use of technology emphasize that information technology supplement and not supplant the VBA’s workforce.”
Bump highlighted system failures that lead to delayed claims, among other issues. He also called on the VBA to survey its employees as it pursues IT modernization, and to integrate employee feedback in the process.
The hearing can be viewed here.
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