The US Department of Veterans Affairs: Disparities in Disability Compensation Approval Rates for ethnic minority Veterans, what is the Way Forward?

Introduction and Background: The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) provides social services to eligible military veterans, including education, rehabilitation, healthcare, and compensation payments. However, the VA has faced challenges in administration management claims, with significant disparities in initial claim approval rates between racial and ethnic groups. Minority veterans, including African Americans, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, Native Americans/Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, may qualify for numerous benefits. Briefly describe the research problem or question, providing context for the study. Objectives or Research Questions: How disparities in disability compensation approval rates among ethnic minority veterans compared to white veterans within the US Department of Veterans Affairs and mitigate strategies?" The study's main objective is to address disability compensation approval rate disparities for ethnic minority veterans by identifying causes, assessing impact, recommending solutions, ensuring equity, and monitoring progress. Methodology: The study analyzed disability compensation approval rates for minority veterans within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) using a quantitative research design. Data was collected from VA administrative records and databases. A representative sample of 100 claim applications was selected. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed significant disparities in approval rates, controlling for age and disability severity. Results: The study found that minority veterans had the lowest approval rate for disability claims, at 61%, compared to 75% for white veterans. Conclusion: The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has been criticized for racial disparities in disability compensation claims, with white veterans receiving the highest approval rates and African American veterans receiving the lowest. The VA's leadership's negligence and failure to address these disparities have led to systematic benefit obstruction for minority veterans. The study recommends enhancing training programs, implementing an equity action plan, and developing standardized guidelines for all veterans.