So says the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel newspaper in a story on April 22, 2013.

Disabled veterans who have waited a year or longer for the government to compensate them could see their claims quickly granted — or denied — under a new Department of Veterans Affairs initiative.

More than half a million veterans have waited at least 125 days to find out how much money they will receive for their injuries and illnesses. The VA considers these claims the “backlog,” which the agency’s head has promised to eliminate by 2015.

New VA programs are often viewed with skepticism by veterans and advocates. But even self-described “jaded” advocates said they are optimistic about this plan. It promises to fast track a provisional decision that could become final after a year. Approved cases could begin receiving compensation immediately.

“I do think that’s going to help because we do have quite a few claims pending in the Broward area,” said Owen Walker, a veteran and director of the Broward County Veterans Services Center. His office assists veterans filing VA petitions.

News reports in recent months have detailed excruciating wait times and unseemly working conditions inside VA regional offices. At least one VA building was reportedly compromised because of the crushing weight of the paper files inside.

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See the rest of the story at http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-va-claims-plan-20130422,0,300072.story.