A group of Stanford University students has created an AI tool called Vet’s Claim to make it easier for veterans to apply for disability benefits. The tool was developed during a hackathon at Stanford and helps veterans avoid common mistakes that often lead to their claims being rejected.
The idea came from personal experiences, like that of Matt Champion, an Army veteran and Stanford student. It took him years and many meetings to finally get the benefits he was entitled to after a back injury. His goal, along with the team, is to make the process quicker and less stressful for the 18 million veterans eligible for benefits.
Vet’s Claim uses a chatbot to guide veterans through the process, helping them describe their injuries and pain in simple terms. The AI then translates this into the specific language needed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This makes sure the application is clear and complete, giving veterans a better chance of getting their benefits on the first try.
Stanford law student Camila Chabayta, who also worked on the project, said that they used AI and years of VA case data to design claims that meet the VA’s exact requirements. Although the tool isn’t yet available to the public, the team hopes to secure funding to make it more widely accessible, helping veterans get the support they deserve more easily.
Source: insightintodiversity