What This Update Is About

The VA disability claims backlog is now below 100,000 for the first time since May 2020. This update explains what that means and why it matters to Veterans and their families.

What the VA Claims Backlog Means

A claim becomes “backlogged” when it has been waiting more than 125 days for a decision.
The backlog shows how many Veterans are waiting longer than that for their benefits.

When the backlog is high, Veterans wait longer. When it goes down, decisions come faster.

What Is Changing

The VA shared several major updates:

• The backlog is now under 100,000 claims.

• This is the lowest level since May 2020.

• The backlog has dropped 63% since January 20, 2025.

• On that date, the backlog was 264,717 claims.

In 2013, about 70% of claims were older than 125 days.
Today, only 17% are older than 125 days.

Why Reducing the Backlog Matters

The VA says lowering the backlog is important because:

• Veterans should not wait long for earned benefits.

• Faster decisions help families and survivors.

• It improves overall service and support.

The VA also shared other recent milestones:

• 33 new VA health care facilities opened.

• 3 million+ disability and pension claims processed in FY2025 (a record).

• 2.2 million+ appointments offered outside normal business hours.

• 51,936 homeless Veterans were permanently housed in FY2025.

How Backlogged Claims Are Counted

There are no exceptions.
Any claim waiting more than 125 days is counted as backlogged.

What This Means for Veterans Still Waiting

Veterans with claims older than 125 days are still being processed.
As the backlog gets smaller, wait times may improve.

Veterans can check their claim status anytime at VA.gov or call the VA for updates.

How to Apply for Benefits

Veterans can file a disability or pension claim by:

• Visiting VA.gov

• Filing a claim online

• Working with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO)

• Calling the VA for help

When This Change Takes Effect

The backlog is already below 100,000 as of this announcement.

This progress means fewer Veterans are waiting long periods for decisions on their benefits. Veterans and families should continue to file claims if they qualify and check VA.gov for updates on their claim status.