The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently introduced a new program intended to take advantage of its new electronic records system, to better address the problems presented by the transition from paper to electronic records. Electronic health record modernization (EHRM) remains a consistent problem for the VA as it has tried to transfer its old paper records to a digital filing system for years. The hope is that this new program will help facilitate that process.
The new program, called the VA Innovative Technological Advancement Lab (VITAL), is looking to train a select number of individuals in advanced skills that will help to bring continuous improvement to the VA’s records system. By training these people in new skills, they are hoping to make using the new EHRM system easier to use and more efficient, thus speeding up the process of bringing the VA fully into the 21st century. However, the training process is expected to take between twelve and eighteen months, so the results of this program will not be immediately apparent.
If all goes well, the new electronic health record system will soon be the only source of veterans’ records, rather than having to comb through both new electronic and old paper records. This will particularly help disabled veterans, who often need to struggle with the VA’s difficult records system. Hopefully, soon problems caused by an inability to properly access veteran records will be a thing of the past.
The attorneys of Sullivan & Kehoe place a special focus on assisting disabled veterans. With over 50 years of combined experience between its lawyers, our attorneys may be able to assist you or a loved one in obtaining VA disability benefits. Call our office at (800) 395 -7830 to schedule a consultation in our New York City, Garden City, Kings Park, Riverhead, or White Plains office, or visit our contact page.
