The backlog of veterans waiting for benefits has fallen by more than 70% since the second Trump administration, even as claim submissions rose, signaling improved processing efficiency.

Disability claim processing times improved from 141 days in January 2025 to 76 days by September 2026.

The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to hire 2,000 additional claims processors in fiscal 2027 to handle a projected surge in veterans benefits claims and rising disability claims.

The VA processed a record 3 million-plus claims in fiscal year 2026 with a workforce of about 13,000 processors, and claims volumes are expected to rise as more veterans enroll in VA health services and benefits.

A VA awareness campaign in 2026 contributed to higher claims submissions and VA health care enrollments, with over 300,000 veterans enrolled by late 2026.

With more than 13,000 employees dedicated to processing claims, the VA granted roughly 60.1% of compensation and pension claims in 2026, totaling over $207 billion in payments (up 80% from four years earlier).

During the second Trump administration, the VA did not renew its collective bargaining agreement with the American Federation of Government Employees, a decision the VA framed as funding veterans’ benefits rather than sustaining the contract.

Active-duty members are encouraged to explore VA careers through programs like the Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC), SkillBridge, and various education initiatives to prepare for federal roles.

The VA is inviting former service members to apply through USAJobs for the veterans service representative role, which involves reviewing and adjudicating benefit claims, gathering evidence, and issuing decision letters.

The veterans service representative duties include explaining benefit programs, determining eligibility, collecting evidence, conducting interviews, and adjudicating claims.

The press release did not specify whether the new hires will replace any of the 30,000 VA employees who took voluntary leave in 2025.

VA Secretary Doug Collins says the new hires aim to improve claims processing volume, speed, and accuracy to better prioritize veterans.