VA plans to scan a million veterans claims for signs of fraud

[nitpicked]

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 VA’s 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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