VA Processes Record 3.11 Million Disability Claims, Cutting Backlog by More Than 70%
Updated
Updated · Newsweek · Oct 24
VA Processes Record 3.11 Million Disability Claims, Cutting Backlog by More Than 70%
2 articles · Updated · Newsweek · Oct 24
Summary
3,111,399 disability claims were processed by the VA in fiscal 2026, topping the prior record of 3,001,734 set in fiscal 2025.
More than 70% of the backlog has been eliminated since Jan. 20, 2025, while average processing times fell 46% and accuracy reached 94%, the highest in two years.
More than 6 million veterans receive VA disability benefits, with monthly payments tied to disability ratings from 10% to 100% and family status.
Oct. 30 is the next payment date because Nov. 1 falls on a Sunday; veterans are also set for a 3.6% 2027 cost-of-living increase if Congress approves it.