VA plans to scan a million veterans claims for signs of fraud
https://www.stripes.com/veterans/2026-03-09/va-fraud-detection-veterans-claims-21007490.html
WASHINGTON The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to launch an automated fraud-detection tool to scan more than a million disability benefits questionnaires for evidence of fabrication or other problems that could force a new medical exam and impact compensation, according to a VA official. James W. Smith, a deputy executive director at the Veterans Benefits Administration, told lawmakers that the tool will have the capability to quickly review submitted questionnaires known as DBQs that document medical evidence to determine a disability rating and monthly compensation.
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The plan is to use the tool to re-analyze DBQs dating to 2010 and flag claims with potential problems. The tool will use artificial intelligence to look for signs that medical evidence was exaggerated or invented. I
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Suspect DBQs could include high-volume submissions from so-called fraud mills that use similar boilerplate language on multiple questionnaires for different individuals. When a DBQ is flagged, the VA most likely will order a new compensation and pension exam, Smith said.
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But the VAs disclosure of its plans for the fraud-detection tool is prompting discussions, warnings and alarm from veterans and their advocates on social media.
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