What does a Post Award Audit (PAA) verify?

The Post Award Audit (PAA) is primarily focused on verifying ongoing entitlement to VA benefits for current beneficiaries. This process ensures that recipients continue to meet the eligibility requirements established by the VA after their initial claims have been awarded. The PAA examines the beneficiaries' circumstances to confirm that they still qualify for the benefits they receive, which is essential for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the benefits distribution system.

This process helps to identify any changes in the beneficiaries' situations that may affect their eligibility, such as changes in income, family status, or specific service-related conditions. Continuous verification safeguards against inappropriate benefit payments, ensuring resources are allocated correctly to those who genuinely qualify.

The other options focus on different stages of the claims process or identity verification, which do not fall under the scope of what the Post Award Audit is designed to assess. The PAA specifically targets the maintenance of benefits rather than the initial claims process or the eligibility of new submissions.