WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Veterans Affairs reduced its disability compensation and pension claims backlog below 70,000 as of July 7, the lowest level since February 2020, shortening delays for veterans seeking federal benefits.
The total represents a decline of more than 74% since Jan. 20, 2025, according to the department. The VA reported that the backlog had increased 24% during the Biden administration.
Claims are classified as backlogged when they remain pending for more than 125 days. About 11.6% of the department’s current claims inventory exceeds that threshold, compared with 70% in 2013.
The average processing time has fallen to 77.7 days, which the VA described as a record low. The department has also completed more than 1 million claims in fewer than 30 days since January 2025.
VA Secretary Doug Collins said the figures translate into “faster decisions, better service and more benefits” for veterans.
The decline follows a period of record claims volume. The VA processed more than 3 million disability compensation and pension claims in fiscal 2025, exceeding the previous annual record set in fiscal 2024.
The department has also opened 38 health care facilities since January 2025 and provided more than 3 million appointments during early-morning, evening and weekend hours, according to agency figures.
Separately, the VA reported permanently housing 51,936 homeless veterans during fiscal 2025, its highest annual total in seven years.
Veterans can obtain information about benefits and eligibility at Choose.VA.gov.
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