The Department of Veterans Affairs complied with four of seven requirements in the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Act for fiscal 2012, the department’s inspector general has said in calling for more accurate reporting.
The VA reported about $2.2 billion in improper payments in its fiscal 2012 performance and accountability report but did not report a gross improper payment rate less than 10 percent or meet a reduction target for one program. Additionally, the Veterans Benefits Administration did not use statistically valid methodologies to calculate improper payment estimates for some programs or report recapture amounts, according to the IG.
It said the VA did meet the requirements to publish a perform risk assessment and provide information on its corrective action plans. However, the IG recommended that action be taken to further reduce improper payments and develop achievable reduction targets for the Non-VA Care Fee program, as well as to implement an estimation methodology to achieve statistical precision for all VHA programs.
The IG also recommended that a statistically valid estimation methodology be implemented for the compensation, pension, and vocational rehabilitation and employment programs, and that required recapture information for all reported VBA programs be provided as required.
The VA agreed with recommendations, including a recommendation that the executive in charge for the Office of Management and Chief Financial Officer complete planned actions to improve compliance with the act.
