WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) received one of Vice President Al Gore's last Hammer Awards for a new computer information system designed to enhance and speed up claims processing for veterans.
The honor for the Compensation and Pension Record Interchange (CAPRI) system brings the number of Hammer Awards that VA has received to 170.
"VA is once again recognized as a nationwide leader in good management," said Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Hershel W. Gober. "The potential for improved service to veterans that this system gives us is enormous."
Since winning its first Hammer Award in 1994, VA has received over 10 percent of all federal agency awards, being cited repeatedly for measures that reduced costs, improved procedures and resulted in better service to veterans.
"CAPRI makes the claims process faster. It makes it easier for employees to give and receive necessary information. And, most importantly, it helps veterans get the benefits they deserve," said Under Secretary for Benefits Joe Thompson.
The CAPRI software gives disability-rating specialists a standardized, user-friendly, point and click tool to rapidly access electronic medical records pertinent to a veterans disability claim. Previously, a veterans disability claim could be delayed for months if a VA decisionmaker could not get immediate access to the veterans medical records.
CAPRI builds upon existing VA information security. It uses established mechanisms to ensure only authorized people have access to medical data.
The CAPRI Project Team was comprised of employees from VA Central Office, VA's Regional Office in St. Petersburg, Fla., Veterans Integrated Service Network 8 and the VA Medical Centers in Nashville, Tenn., and Bay Pines, Fla. They worked together to improve the exchange of information without additional resources or outside consultation.
At the Hammer Award announcement on Jan. 12, the CAPRI project team also received a Scissors Award for their innovative work. The Scissors Award was developed by Gober in 1995. Over 350 Scissors have been given to VA facilities throughout the country.
Both awards recognize employees and groups that cut red tape, streamline operations, improve veterans' services, empower employees and create a more efficient and focused government for the U.S. taxpayers.
