The Government Accountability Office has found the Railroad Retirement Board's vetting procedures for total disability claims inadequate. 

Among its findings, the GAO said the RRB lacks an independent review of claims, giving internal claims examiners "sole discretion" over approving a claim. Between 2008 and 2012, one-quarter to one-third of total and permanent disability claims were approved without an independent review, the GAO said. 

That's a breach of the generally accepted standards for internal controls within federal government agencies, the GAO's report said. 

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Nick Thornton

Nick Thornton is a financial writer covering retirement and health care issues for BenefitsPRO and ALM Media. He greatly enjoys learning from the vast minds in the legal, academic, advisory and money management communities when covering the retirement space. He's also written on international marketing trends, financial institution risk management, defense and energy issues, the restaurant industry in New York City, surfing, cigars, rum, travel, and fishing. When not writing, he's pushing into some land or water.