Fraudulent disability claims through Veterans Affairs

For the Washington Post, Craig Whitlock, Lisa Rein, and Caitlin Gilbert examine court records and disability claims.

“One inherent problem [VA] must contend with, is that it operates on an honor system with its veterans,” Justice Department prosecutors wrote in a 2021 court filing for a case involving an Army veteran who defrauded VA of more than $200,000. “… The result is that some veterans can, and unfortunately some veterans do take advantage.”

While most claims are probably legit, there seems to be an alarming increase over the last few years for hay fever, irritable bowel syndrome, and penile deformity.