VetsFirst participated in a Warrior-Family Roundtable sponsored by the Military Officers Association of America and Zeiders Enterprises on March 9. The roundtable involved subject-matter-experts, including VetsFirst, answering questions posed by wounded, ill, injured veterans and servicemembers and their family caregivers.
Among the questions asked, were inquiries about the VA’s Fiduciary Program. According to VA, the purpose of the program “is to protect the benefits paid to veterans and beneficiaries who are unable to manage their financial affairs.”
It appears, however, that the program can be more of a hindrance than a help. For example, one of the family member fiduciaries involved in the forum had encountered numerous problems with the program.
Unfortunately, there has not been a clear process for resolving concerns. There are currently few legal resources available to help those who have problems with the program. In addition, VA regional offices have lacked guidance on how to conduct appeals once a notice of disagreement is filed.
Concerns about the administration of the fiduciary program led the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Oversight to hold a hearing on February 9. Based on the stories relayed during this hearing, VetsFirst is very concerned about the status of the program.
Please let VetsFirst know if you have had problems in working with the VA’s Fiduciary Program. We are actively reviewing ways to reform this program to ensure that it acts in a manner that respects those that VA serves. Send your feedback to Heather Ansley, Esq., MSW, VP at hansley@vetsfirst.org