WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) has improved procedures by incorporating an artificial intelligence (AI) solution to reduce the time it takes to process in-coming mail from 10 days to just one day.

The software reads the mail document contents and automatically routes it to VA employees working the next step of the claims process; which means faster processing of the information Veterans send to VBA in support of their claims.

“Moving past manual mail processes to automation puts the emphasis on Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This new capability allows VA to process Veterans’ claims quickly and efficiently.”

On average VBA receives more than 550,000 pieces of mail per month related to benefits and services. The volume of mail comes from submissions by Veterans, surviving spouses, service agencies, attorneys and claims agents. This mail is often the starting point to initiate a claim or provide supportive documentation for potential benefits and services they may be eligible for; in addition to general inquires.

Visit VBA for more program information.

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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov

Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.

Contact us online through Ask VA

Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.

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