These problems are not new. In 2019, a VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) report identified several challenges faced by VA staff in overseeing the C&P program, including limitations with the electronic management systems, a lack of reliable data, inadequate staffing, and inability to validate the completion of contractors’ requirements. While the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) addressed most of the OIG recommendations, they failed to address the quality of contract C&P examiners. The IG also found numerous issues with VA contracts that limited the agency’s ability to hold contractors accountable for problems. Furthermore, as recently as February 2024, the VA OIG found that VA officials did not follow requirements to ensure contractor employees were properly vetted, which may increase risks to health, safety, and well-being of veterans and VA employees.

In November 2020, Senator Warren joined ten other senators in warning that the privatization of disability examinations would have long-term negative impacts on services and benefits to veterans, especially when the VA had no established process to evaluate the quality of contractor exams.

Senator Warren is pushing for answers from the VA about the eligibility requirements, license verification, training and resources, and assessment methods for C&P exam contractors by May 14, 2024.