The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that it has processed more than two million disability claims for veterans thus far in fiscal year 2025.
In a June 24 release, VA says it achieved the milestone more than a month faster than the all-time record reached in FY 2024.
“VA has reduced the claims backlog and has processed these claims faster than ever for a simple reason: we’re focused on getting results for veterans,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “We are just getting started in our mission to help veterans, families, caregivers and survivors get the care and benefits they’ve earned.”
At this pace, VA says it will surpass the previous record number of completed disability claims by more than 14 percent this year.
The passage of the PACT Act in 2022 led to a sharp uptick in disability claims filings, according to the VA, as the legislation made it possible for veterans of all eras who were exposed to toxins as a result of their military service to apply for VA health care and benefits.
In May, VA said its disability benefits compensation claims backlog fell to under 200,000 for the first time since March 5, 2023. A VA claim is considered backlogged when it has been pending for more than 125 days.
VA has reduced the inventory of backlogged disability claims by more than 74,000 since President Donald Trump took office in January. The average wait time for a veteran’s claim to be processed fell from 141.5 days on Jan. 20, 2025, to 131.8 days on June 21, 2025.
Collins has also repeatedly said that proposals to reduce VA’s workforce mandated by the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency's efforts to drastically reduce the size of the federal government would not impact the ability of veterans to access care and benefits.
More than $120 billion in compensation and pension benefits has been awarded by VA to veterans and survivors in FY 2025.
To learn more about applying for VA care and benefits, visit here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.