Here is a solution to the ongoing claims backlog.  Grant every request for benefits.  Go back and audit spurious or suspicious claims, but continue to give the veteran the benefit of the doubt as we do now.  It might cost VA some of its budget for conferences and goofy video presentations, but it will help all those veterans who are struggling to make ends meet or facing homelessness square in the face.  In the long run it will save VA all those wasted man hours from claims development, pay and benefits for the larger claims teams, and pensions for those workers when they retire.  Very few fraudulent claims are put forward by veterans to begin with.  Audits would keep that number low, and provide for continued fiscal oversight.  I can't be the only person to have thought of this...