We wanted to make sure you were aware of this issue and the steps VA is taking to correct it.
September 1 Payment Issue
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has identified a withholding error affecting September 1 benefit payments to 12,209 Veterans who were on a repayment plan with VA to recoup a healthcare debt.
A processing error resulted in an erroneous offset from their monthly benefit payment greater than the agreed-upon recoupment amount. The deduction amounts were established in reverse – the amount to be withheld was sent to the Veteran and the amount that the Veteran should have received was withheld. If the amount that was erroneously withheld exceeded the amount of the debt, the Veteran was sent the difference. The 12,209 Veterans affected by this error were collectively underpaid a total of $2.4 million.
VA is working with the Department of the Treasury to expedite payments to these Veterans for the balance due, with the intention of payment being issued to each Veteran by Tuesday, September 2 in most instances, and no later than the middle of next week for others.
VA sincerely regrets the error and the impact it may have on Veterans and beneficiaries. VA is working to ensure it does not happen again.
Jim Marszalek | National Service Director
DAV National Service & Legislative Headquarters |807 Maine Ave., SW |Washington, DC 20024
Direct Dial (202) 314-5223 | Cell (202) 603-3127