VA processed more than 3 million disability claims in fiscal 2026 — and the average decision now takes 75.6 days, down from 141.5 days at the start of last year. If you have been putting off a claim because the wait seemed too long, the line is shorter than it has been in years.
What changed
The backlog — claims sitting more than 125 days without a decision — has been cut by more than 70 percent since January 2025. Processing accuracy is at 94 percent, the highest rate in two years. VA has awarded more than $207 billion in compensation and pension benefits to veterans and survivors in fiscal 2026 alone.
The prior record for annual claims completed was set in fiscal 2025 at just over 3 million. VA surpassed that with more than a week still left in the fiscal year.
What this means if you haven’t filed
Shorter wait times don’t change eligibility, but they do lower the practical cost of submitting a claim. A condition you’ve been living with for years — and decided wasn’t worth the paperwork — may be worth a closer look now that decisions are coming back in roughly two and a half months rather than five.
The same goes for supplemental claims on conditions that were denied or rated lower than expected.
What to do
- File or check the status of an existing claim at VA.gov.
- If you’re not sure whether a condition qualifies, or you want help putting the claim together, contact a Department service officer before you file. A service officer is accredited, costs you nothing, and can improve the odds that a claim is submitted correctly the first time.
- The Department of Utah has service officers who work with members here. Contact information is on the Department of Utah website.
If you have questions at the post level, talk to one of our officers at the next meeting — the second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Orem City Library basement.
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