WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Veterans Affairs announced it has processed more disability compensation and pension ratings claims this year than ever before, reaching the milestone nearly two months before the end of the fiscal year.
As of August 8, VA had completed 2,524,115 ratings claims, surpassing last year’s record of 2,517,519. The agency also marked its first month exceeding 300,000 completed claims in July. Officials noted that claims are being processed 17.8% faster this year than last, despite a 10% increase in new submissions.
“Under President Trump, VA is making major improvements to better serve Veterans, and this announcement underscores that fact,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins.
The department pointed to additional reforms, including opening 16 new clinics, expanding after-hours appointments, investing $800 million in facility upgrades, and accelerating the rollout of its integrated electronic health record system.
Other measures include expanding access to non-VA care, streamlining survivor benefits, and recovering $106 million in duplicate billings in partnership with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The agency also ended diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, redirected related funds, and required more employees to return to in-person work.
The VA emphasized that these steps are part of a broader effort to reduce backlogs and improve services for Veterans, families, and caregivers nationwide.
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