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Guard and reserve troops play an instrumental role in our nation’s military operations. Yet, they face challenges when it comes to getting their veterans disability claims approved, often falling behind their active-duty peers.
This discrepancy was highlighted in a recent analysis by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which pointed to incomplete military records and a lack of oversight of injuries as the primary reasons for the disparity. Such gaps are particularly concerning given that these part-time troops are increasingly stepping into active-duty roles, leading to more exposure to health risks and potential complications.
Over a decade, the report showcased that while the approval rates for first-time disability claims for active-duty troops saw a significant surge from 79% to 90%, the rates for guard and reserve members fluctuated between 62% and 77%.
The root cause, the GAO found, wasn’t necessarily that guard and reserve personnel experienced fewer health issues, but the lack of proper documentation. The report emphasized, “Reserve component members often underestimate the significance of promptly recording health conditions, which can be crucial for any future disability compensation claims.” Many claims processors, along with thirteen stakeholders, echoed the sentiment, stating the challenges they face in obtaining necessary evidence, like service dates, to support reserve component claims.
The protocol for reserve and guard members to qualify for disability benefits demands that they establish a connection between their injury or illness and an active-duty event. This disparity in approval rates is evident across all military branches and ranks.
Both the Defense Department and VA have taken note of this report’s findings and are currently formulating strategies for improvement. These initiatives encompass enhanced training on veterans benefits for guard and reserve troops, updated guidelines on documenting health-related incidents while on duty, and a more vigilant oversight by VA leadership.
Reacting to the GAO’s findings, Grier Martin, holding the responsibilities of the assistant secretary of defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, assured, “We’re steadfast in our commitment to the well-being of our troops and will persistently work towards equipping them with the tools and knowledge to protect their rights and benefits.”
It’s worth noting that the guard and reserve personnel comprise about one-third of the nation’s total military strength, which exceeds 2 million.
