By MOAA Staff

The VA recently reversed plans to review more than 1 million disability benefits questionnaires (DBQs) to identify signs of fraud after the technology involved raised concerns over whether automated processes, or those relying on artificial intelligence, could reduce veterans’ benefits or make them more difficult to obtain.

The DBQ review was set to “flag claims with potential problems dating back to 2010,” according to an initial Stars and Stripes report, with a process designed to “use artificial intelligence to look for signs that medical evidence was exaggerated or invented.”

Instead, officials plan to use a “data collection tool” on new DBQs that would help flag false or exaggerated claims, a spokesman said March 16. It’s the second time in recent days the VA has changed course after feedback from the wider veterans community – a new regulation detailing consideration of the effect of medication as part of disability ratings was rescinded before it was ever enforced.

The initial report triggered negative responses from veterans and concerns from veterans groups, some of whom said the process could be used to reduce disability ratings and payments. The VA issued more details in follow-up press statements and communications with MOAA and fellow veterans groups, refuting claims that the process was “an AI tool” and saying no plans called for using the tool in a way that could result in a reduction or denial of benefits.

How MOAA Works to GUARD Your Benefits

MOAA appreciates the assurances from the VA regarding the preservation of VA-approved disability compensation. We will remain watchful as the new data-collection process unfolds to ensure all who have earned these benefits receive them in a timely manner.

We also want to ensure all legal avenues are available to combat fraud in the VA system, including criminal proceedings for bad actors who siphon benefits from veterans under the guise of “helping” with a VA claim. The Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act, a key part of MOAA’s Advocacy in Action campaign, restores such criminal penalties, protecting veterans from paying for services that are available for free from accredited agencies.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Stop Predatory Claims Agents]

Beyond AI

Fraud takes place in any large system, including VA disability compensation. MOAA applauds efforts to find out these bad actors, including the use of new technology as part of the department’s wider AI strategy.

But finding these actors is only part of the solution. In fact, dozens of companies providing unaccredited services to veterans as part of the VA claims process have been found already and have received cease-and-desist letters … only to continue advertising their programs. The GUARD VA Benefits Act moves from detection to protection – allowing enforcement beyond a simple letter, and allowing veterans to keep the benefits they’ve earned through service.

Keep up with the latest on Advocacy in Action and other MOAA legislative priorities by registering at our Legislative Action Center.