GAO report addresses abuses of VA pension and benefits system

GAO has released a report about abuses of the VA benefits system and systemic problems that need to be corrected by the VA.

http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-540 

Just one recommendation: Congress should consider establishing a look-back and penalty period for pension claimants who transfer assets for less than fair market value prior to applying, similar to other federally supported means-tested programs.  For example, GAO identified a case where a claimant transferred over a million dollars less than 3 months prior to applying and was granted benefits.

A Senate hearing on the issues discussed in the the GAO report

http://www.aging.senate.gov/hearing_detail.cfm?id=336928&

A New York Times article available at

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/06/us/veterans-pension-program-is-being-abused-report-says.html?emc=eta1