The Department of Veterans Affairs has reported that the backlog of veterans’ disability compensation and pension claims has fallen below 100,000 for the first time since 2020. This marks the lowest backlog since May 2020, during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins highlighted that, “Under President Trump, the Department of Veterans Affairs is delivering earned benefits to veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors as quickly and conveniently as possible.”
This achievement indicates a 63% reduction in the backlog since Trump took office again in January 2025, following a 24% increase during the Biden administration.
Mr. Collins has made it clear that addressing the backlog of claims is a high priority. Under Biden, the backlog was notably above 100,000 from 2021 to 2024, peaking at 264,717 claims when Trump returned to the presidency. The lowest point for permanent disability applications during Trump’s first term was recorded at 64,783 in December 2019.
The VA defines a claim as outstanding if it has been pending for over 125 days. Interestingly, back in 2013, about 70% of claims exceeded that time frame, a record high. Now, that figure has dramatically decreased to just 17%.
Collins expressed optimism, stating, “Productivity in VA claims processing is at an all-time high, and we look forward to continuing to provide record levels of service to veterans and veteran beneficiaries.”
The department has also marked several successes during Trump’s second term, such as the opening of over 30 new VA medical facilities and significant efforts to permanently house more than 50,000 homeless veterans in fiscal year 2025—the highest in seven years.
In summary, the VA’s recent advancements, while notable, reflect an ongoing commitment to improve services for veterans, something that Collins emphasizes should make a real difference.
