While the Department of Veterans Affairs strives to care for “those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors,” the VA has not always hit this mark. Over the past two decades, an ever-growing list of pending cases has plagued the VA, with veterans commonly saying things like “deny until we die,” and “delay, don’t pay,” when referring to the VA. For many years, these complaints were valid, but the current VA Secretary Doug Collins is trying to remedy this issue — important information for veterans seeking fair and timely decisions.
What was the VA backlog?
A VA claim for compensation or pension is considered backlogged once it has been pending for more than 125 days. Unfortunately, over the last two decades, hundreds of thousands of veterans and their dependents and survivors have been waiting well over 125 days for VA adjudication.
The backlog reached its highest point ever in March 2013 with 611,000 pending disability compensation claims, many pending over a year. At that time, the VA instituted a 2015 goal of eliminating the backlog. In December 2019, the VA hit its lowest backlog point at 64,738 claims. However, from January 2021 to January 2025, the backlog rose 24% to 264,717 claims pending adjudication for more than 125 days, highlighting how these delays can directly affect compensable VA disability decisions.
This month, the VA announced that since January 2025 the backlog has dropped from 264,717 claims to 112,353, a 57% reduction. As a result of this FY 2025 performance, the VA is now distributing $195 billion in compensation and pension benefit payments to more than 6.9 million veterans and survivors.
What is the current status of the VA backlog?
Although there is still a backlog—with 112,353 claims still pending for more than 125 days—it is much improved. This improvement can be attributed to several factors:
· The VA processed an all-time high of 3,001,734 disability compensation and pension claims in fiscal year 2025, which was 500,000 more than any year prior. This feat encompassed records across the board:
o The VA processed one million disability claims by February 20, 2025 which was faster than any prior year.
o The VA processed 15,364 claims on May 29, 2025, the single most productive claims processing day.
o The VA processed the highest number of claims in a month in VA’s history, with 300,799 claims processed in July 2025.
· The Appeals Modernization Act (AMA) has become commonplace for veterans and adjudicators, and both can use the AMA tools, such as the lane options and the loosened duty to assist, to move cases more efficiently.
· The PACT Act granted presumptive service connection to many veterans, which relaxed the evidentiary and development requirements.
· The Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court have provided more legal clarification to VA adjudicators.
VA Secretary Doug Collins has said, “Our record claims processing productivity is proof these efforts are working. Veterans deserve fast and accurate claims decisions, and we look forward to continuing to deliver amazing results to those who have worn the uniform.”
How does this impact your case?
Although the advocates at Vets National are grateful for the trend towards faster decision making, sometimes speed may compromise accuracy. The FY 2025 numbers have not been released as of the date of this article, but in 2024, the Board received 108,842 cases on appeal and there were 8,937 appeals filed with the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. That’s a lot of unsatisfied claimants. Thus, not only does the VA need to focus on efficiency but also on accuracy — a reality that often leaves veterans questioning can you get VA disability when decisions are rushed or incomplete.
So how can you help the VA make an accurate and quick decision in your case?
It helps to provide the VA with coherent and comprehensive arguments up front and with as much of your own evidence as possible. If you receive a letter from the VA asking for evidence, you should respond to it as quickly as you can, especially before the VA makes an adverse decision in your case — an approach that can strengthen your position in VA claims and appeals.
Contact us to appeal now!
Has the VA denied your claim for VA disability benefits? We are here to help you appeal! Contact us to reach our advocates today, or call 1 (877) 777-4021 to take the next step in obtaining the VA disability benefits you deserve.
