VA Disability Claims Backlog Reaches Lowest Level Since 2020

Key Takeaways

• The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation and pension claims backlog has dropped below 100 000 for the first time since May 2020.
• The backlog declined 63% since January 20, 2025, from 264 717 pending claims to under 100 000.
• Currently, 17% of claims are older than 125 days, compared with 70% in 2013.

The VA announced that its disability compensation and pension claims backlog has fallen below 100 000 for the first time since May 2020. According to the VA, this milestone reflects a 63% reduction in backlogged claims since January 20, 2025, when the backlog stood at 264 717 claims.

The VA defines a disability compensation or pension claim as “backlogged” once it has been pending for more than 125 days. As of the announcement, the number of such claims has consistently remained under 100 000, marking a significant administrative benchmark.

On January 20, 2025, the backlog totaled 264 717 claims. Since January 20, 2025, however, the backlog has been reduced by 63%.Historically, the backlog reached its highest proportion in 2013, when 70% of claims were older than 125 days—the highest percentage ever recorded. In contrast, today 17% of claims exceed the 125-day threshold.

Reducing the claims backlog has been identified as an urgent priority for VA Secretary Doug Collins, particularly given that the backlog remained above 100 000 from 2021 through 2024.

Clinical Implications

For clinicians who treat US military veterans, disability compensation and pension determinations are closely tied to documentation of service-connected conditions and functional impairment. A reduced VA claims backlog may translate into faster adjudication of benefits for veterans with chronic medical and psychiatric conditions.

Timelier processing of claims may affect when veterans receive disability compensation, which can influence access to housing, transportation, caregiving support, and other social determinants of health. Veterans awaiting pension benefits may also experience financial strain during prolonged processing periods.

“VA’s claims processing productivity is the highest it has ever been, and we look forward to continuing to provide record levels of service to Veterans and VA beneficiaries,” said Secretary Collins.

Conclusion

The VA disability claims backlog falling below 100 000 represents a notable administrative shift in national veterans’ benefits processing. For clinicians caring for US veterans, changes in claims timelines may have downstream effects on patient stability, financial security, and engagement in care.

Reference

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA benefits claims backlog under 100K for first time since 2020. Press Release. Published February 23, 2026. Accessed March 3, 2026. https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-benefits-claims-backlog-under-100k-for-first-time-since-2020/