VA Claims Backlog Hits Historic Five-Year Low

In a landmark achievement for veteran services, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced on February 23 that the disability and pension benefits backlog has officially dropped below the 100,000 mark. This is the first time the inventory has reached this level since May 2020.

This milestone represents a 63% reduction in the benefits backlog since January 20, 2025. The rapid decline marks a sharp pivot from the previous four years, during which the backlog consistently remained above 100,000 and peaked at 264,717 in early 2025.

Understanding the "Backlog"

A VA claim is technically considered "backlogged" once it has been pending for more than 125 days. The department’s efficiency has seen a dramatic shift over the last decade:

2013: 70% of all claims were older than 125 days.

Today: Only 17% of claims exceed the 125-day threshold.

Record Productivity

Under the leadership of VA Secretary Doug Collins, the department has made backlog elimination an urgent priority. The current trajectory reflects a commitment to achieving historic benchmarks, such as those seen in late 2019 when the claims backlog reached a record low of 64,783.

"VA’s claims processing productivity is the highest it has ever been," said Secretary Collins. "Under President Trump, VA is providing veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors all of the benefits they have earned as quickly and conveniently as possible."

The VA attributes this surge in productivity to streamlined processing and a renewed focus on veteran-centric service. As the department looks toward the future, the goal remains to provide record levels of service to all beneficiaries while maintaining this newfound momentum in claims processing.

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