An open letter to all Veterans
We wanted to let you know that effective immediately, the VA Southeast Network (VISN 7) is conducting a pilot program with the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) to enhance support and access to Compensation and Pension (C&P) exams for Veterans across our region.
Our medical center is taking part in the pilot program, and this change to the C&P process is one of several transformational initiatives VISN 7 is undertaking to modernize our system of care and improve Veteran access to the services they have earned.
Veterans within our system should not notice any changes, outside of a possibly faster claim exam process and a higher chance of seeing a provider closer to their home.
This pilot program is consistent with Congressional legislation that has expanded community care offerings closer to home for Veterans, and provides Veterans the ability to receive services in locations most convenient to them.
This will not result in any of our employees losing their positions, although they may be reassigned to other duties within the medical center.
Our goals with this pilot program are to improve the efficiency of our programs, improve the process for our Veterans seeking Compensation and Pension claims, and to refocus resources on taking care of our patients.
This is just a small part of several new initiatives underway across VHA and the VA Southeast Network to modernize care for Veterans. In addition to this pilot, VISN 7 is already taking steps to expand virtual care (e.g., telemedicine) and add new specialty and team-based healthcare services. We are committed to Veteran satisfaction and ensuring every Veteran has access to the premier healthcare quality services VHA offers.
Thank you, and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Ann Brown
Director
Atlanta VA Health Care System
