Sullivan County veterans group warns of proposed VA staffing cuts, says AI-driven claim processing is creating errors

Sullivan County — County veterans service leaders told the Sullivan County Veterans Committee that proposed Department of Veterans Affairs staffing cuts and recent automation of claims processing are creating service delays and a sharp increase in appeals.

Steve, director of the Veterans Service Agency for Sullivan County, said the VA has discussed plans to cut about 80,000 positions nationwide and that the agency remains tens of thousands of medical staff short. “The VA would like to cut 80,000 more positions and return VA staffing numbers to 2019 levels,” Steve said. He added that earlier data showed roughly 90,000 vacancies two years ago and that the most current figures point toward about 60,000 medical vacancies in VA medical positions.

The committee was told those staffing and hiring issues have contributed to appointment delays and that the VA has increasingly relied on community care to meet demand. Steve said the VA secretary has signaled veterans to “get used to it,” a message Steve said amounts…