VA Breaks Record with Disability Claims Processing, Approves 62%

Officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that this fiscal year has seen a record number of disability claims processed, with benefits approved for nearly 1.3 million veterans and their family members.

By mid-August, VA adjudicators had finalized 2,524,115 claims, exceeding last year's record by almost 6,600, as reported by VA Press Secretary Pete Kasperowicz. Approximately 61.8% of the claims received approval, with nearly two-thirds of those approvals leading to a disability rating of 70% or above. Approximately 23.8% were granted a full disability rating.

VA Secretary Doug Collins praised the changes implemented, claiming they have sped up the processing times. “Under President [Donald] Trump, the VA is implementing significant enhancements to improve services for veterans, and this announcement highlights that reality,” Collins stated.

The VA has introduced various measures to reduce wait times, such as the 2022 Automated Benefits Delivery System for prevalent conditions and a scheduling assistant aimed at optimizing medical exam processes. In May, the department brought back mandatory overtime for claims processors to tackle the existing backlogs.

The agency has reported that employees are now processing claims almost 18% quicker than they did last year. Currently, 675,319 claims are still awaiting resolution, with 154,873 of those classified as backlogged, having been pending for over 125 days. This indicates a positive shift compared to 2023, when pending claims exceeded 1.1 million after the enactment of the PACT Act.

The 2022 PACT Act brought substantial enhancements to health care and disability benefits for veterans who faced exposure to toxic burn pits and various pollutants while serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations. This year, approximately 42% of sanctioned claims were associated with the legislation.

The VA reported that the conditions most often approved included tinnitus, sciatic nerve paralysis, and knee issues. In contrast, the leading reasons for denials were hearing loss, spinal strains, and sleep apnea.

The Veterans Benefits Administration, responsible for managing disability, housing, pension, and education benefits, had 19,804 claims processors as of late July, a decrease from over 21,900 at the beginning of the fiscal year. Authorities indicated that the primary factors behind attrition were personal health concerns, shifts in career paths, and job-related stress.

Amid ongoing workforce challenges, Collins informed Congress in May that the VA is dedicated to addressing the backlog and enhancing services. “We will ensure you have every chance to excel to your utmost capability,” Collins stated.

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