Backlog of veterans waiting for VA benefits down 37% since Jan. 20.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced today it has processed more disability benefits compensation & pension ratings claims in a single year than ever before.
In fiscal year 2024, VA processed a total of 2,517,519 ratings claims, and this year the department reached an all-time high of 2,524,115 ratings claims issued Aug. 8 — nearly two months before the end of Fiscal 25.
In July, VA completed more than 300,000 ratings claims in a single month for the first time ever. VA is processing claims faster in Fiscal 25 than in Fiscal 24, completing them 17.8 percent faster even as receipts are 10 percent higher than this time last year.
“Under President Trump, VA is making major improvements to better serve Veterans, and this announcement underscores that fact,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “We look forward to implementing more reforms to increase customer service and convenience for those we are charged with serving.”
Other highlights of VA’s accomplishments this year include:
· VA has opened 16 new health care clinics around the country.
· Since Jan. 20, VA has offered veterans nearly 1 million appointments outside of normal operating hours. These early-morning, evening, and weekend appointments are giving veterans more timely and convenient options for care.
· VA is spending an additional $800 million on infrastructure improvements to ensure VA facilities provide safe and effective patient care.
· VA has made it easier and faster for VA-enrolled veterans to access care from non-VA providers at the department’s expense.
· VA has implemented major reforms to make it easier for survivors to get benefits.
· VA is accelerating the deployment of its integrated electronic health record system.
· VA partnered with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to identify and recover $106 million in duplicate billing.
· VA has brought tens of thousands of VA employees back to the office, where VA can work better as a team to serve veterans.
VA encourages all veterans to visit VA.gov to learn more and apply for the care and benefits they have earned.
- Veterans Benefits