VA in FY 2026 processes the most claims ever

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs processed a record-high 3.11 million disability compensation claims in fiscal year 2026, a testament to the Trump Administration's commitment to ensuring Veterans can more quickly and conveniently access the benefits they've earned.

The 3,111,399 compensation claims VA processed in FY 2026 tops the prior record of 3,001,734 claims set in FY 2025. Until the second Trump Administration, VA had never processed more than 3 million claims per year.

VA's focus on the timely processing of compensation claims has led to a dramatic reduction in the backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits. That backlog has been reduced by more than 70%, after it increased 24% under the Biden Administration.

Claims processing accuracy has improved despite an increased workload and is currently at 94% - the highest rate in two years. Additionally, VBA continues to grant more than 60% of the claims submitted by Veterans, and only about 3% of VBA's decisions are appealed to the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

"Under the leadership of President Trump, VA is making historic progress to better serve Veterans, and these record-breaking claims processing numbers prove it," said VA Secretary Doug Collins. "Whether we're lowering wait times, improving healthcare, or opening new VA facilities, we will continue to put Veterans first."

These record-breaking claims processing numbers are one of many ways the Trump Administration is making VA work better for Veterans. Since Jan. 20, 2025, VA has:

• Reduced VA's average disability claims processing time by 46% since Jan. 20, 2025.
• Eliminated the backlog of Veteran families waiting for VA healthcare.
• VA reduced paperwork by nearly two thirds for Veterans and survivors applying for VA benefits.
• Enrolled more than 300,000 new Veterans in VA healthcare in 2026.
• Opened 43 new VA healthcare facilities since Jan. 20, 2025, expanding healthcare access for Veterans around the country.
• Offered Veterans more than 3.4 million appointments outside of normal operating hours since Jan. 20, 2025, giving Veterans more timely and convenient options for care.