Government shutdown torpedoes VA claims backlog efforts

SHUTDOWN TORPEDOES VA EFFORTS TO CUT CLAIMS BACKLOG
Nextgov
By Bob Brewin
October 3, 2013

Before Tuesday, when agencies were forced to shut down unfunded operations or those otherwise exempt from the effects of the Congressional budget impasse, the Veterans Affairs Department had planned to continue mandatory overtime for claims processors until Nov. 16 and voluntary overtime until Dec. 31. But those plans have changed, a VA spokeswoman told Nextgov.

“As a result of Congress’ failure to act and prevent a lapse in appropriations, VA will not be able to continue overtime for claims processors,” said Victoria Dillon, the acting department press secretary in an email.
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