The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reached a historic milestone by processing over 2 million disability claims in fiscal year 2025.
This achievement, which surpasses the previous year’s record by over a month, marks a significant improvement in the VA’s operational efficiency. The department continues its commitment to providing timely benefits to veterans, their families, and survivors.
This milestone is not just a number; it represents faster and more efficient service for those who have served in the military.
With millions of veterans depending on the VA for disability benefits, these improvements are essential for both veterans’ well-being and the reputation of the VA. The news comes amid continued efforts to reduce claim backlogs and ensure quicker results for veterans awaiting support.
Record-breaking speed and efficiency
According to the VA’s latest announcement, the department has processed over 2 million disability claims in fiscal year 2025—reaching the milestone more than a month ahead of the previous year’s record. If this pace continues, the department is set to exceed last year’s total by more than 14%.
This increase is a reflection of the Veterans Affairs‘s dedication to reducing claim processing times, with the average time to complete a claim dropping from 141.5 days in January to 131.8 days in June 2025.
The VA’s ongoing improvements are not only in speed but also in handling the volume of claims. This year, over $120 billion in compensation and pension benefits has already been distributed to veterans and their families, further highlighting the department’s commitment to meeting its financial and service goals.
Reducing the claims backlog
A key element of the Veterans Affairs’s success is the substantial reduction in its claims backlog. The number of backlogged disability claims has decreased significantly since the beginning of the current administration.
In May 2025, the backlog dropped below 200,000 for the first time since spring 2023, with a reduction of 25% over several months. This progress represents a positive shift for veterans who have faced prolonged waits for benefits.
The VA has attributed much of this improvement to a combination of system upgrades, increased automation, and prioritisation of claims that require immediate attention. Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins stated that the department’s focus remains firmly on reducing the backlog and providing faster, more reliable service to veterans.