Overcoming Access Barriers to Disability Benefits in the Air Reserve Component (ARC)
Abstract
This paper examined the following research question: how can barriers to access to disability benefits in the Air Reserve Component (ARC) be overcome? Utilizing the problem solution framework, this paper first reviewed the barriers to access. The key findings were that the primary barriers are a lack of education, access to misinformation, practical barriers to application, and concern about career impact. Several alternative solutions were considered, including frontloading training, flagging the process to initiate a LOD determination during medical treatment, sending automated reminders to members after they complete a period of service, and offering the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) portion of Transition Assistance Program (TAP) between three and nine months after separation. These alternatives were evaluated by cost effectiveness, how effectively they convey information to ARC members, and effort required by ARC members. The recommendation after this evaluation was that frontloading education is the best way to help ARC members overcome barriers to access to disability benefits. However, follow-up surveys should be conducted to determine whether training is effective, and whether members later applied for VA benefits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1107521
Entities
People
- Virginia M. Bare
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College