Faced with an increase in disability claims, the Veterans Benefits Admin. (VBA) is hiring a large number of new claims processing staff. This report determines: (1) What training is provided to new and experienced claims processors and how uniform is this training?; (2) To what extent has VBA planned this training strategically, and how well is the training designed, implemented, and evaluated?; (3) To what extent is the performance mgmt. system for claims processors consistent with generally accepted practices? Researchers reviewed VBA policies and training curricula; interviewed VBA central office officials; visited 4 of VBA¿s 57 regional offices; and compared VBA¿s training and performance mgmt. to generally accepted practices. Illustrations.