Veterans across the United States are experiencing significant improvements in their access to pension and compensation benefits following a major reduction in claims processing backlogs by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

Newsweek contacted VA for comment via email outside normal working hours.

Why It Matters 

New legislative actions at the federal and state levels, as well as private sector initiatives, are working to honor and support those who have served. These efforts coincide with the U.S.’s preparations to celebrate its 250th anniversary and as economic pressures continue to affect veterans on fixed incomes. 

What To Know 

VA announced a 57 percent reduction in its backlog of compensation and pension benefit claims since the start of President Donald Trump’s second administration, dropping from 264,717 claims on January 20 to 112,353. 

A claim is considered backlogged if it is pending for more than 125 days.  

The department processed a record 3,001,734 disability compensation and pension claims in fiscal year 2025, surpassing the previous record of 2.49 million claims set in 2024.  

VA also reported its highest monthly processing figure ever—300,799 claims completed in July—and achieved a 12-month processing accuracy rate of 93.5 percent in September, up from 91.6 percent in October 2024.  

In total, $195 billion in compensation and pension benefit payments was distributed to more than 6.9 million veterans and survivors in fiscal year 2025.    

Alongside federal action, states such as New York have passed legislation in 2025 to bolster protections for veterans, including measures to prevent pension fraud, expand awareness of state jobs for disabled veterans and officially recognize recipients of the Purple Heart.

Private sector organizations are also contributing to veterans’ economic security. Bank of America awarded a $350,000 grant to the nonprofit American Corporate Partners to fund 250 veteran mentorships as part of ongoing efforts to improve career outcomes for veterans and military spouses.  

On top of these structural gains, the annual cost-of-living adjustment for 2026 is set to increase benefits for disabled veterans and military retirees by 2.8 percent, ensuring payments better keep pace with inflation. 

What People Are Saying 

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said in a news release on Tuesday: “Under President Trump, VA is constantly raising the bar for customer service and convenience. Our record claims processing productivity is proof these efforts are working. Veterans deserve fast and accurate claims decisions, and we look forward to continuing to deliver amazing results to those who have worn the uniform.”

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, who introduced the Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act, which would temporarily increase Social Security and VA benefits by $200 per month for six months, said in a statement on October 30: “While Donald Trump sends $40 billion to Argentina, I’m proposing sending American seniors on Social Security an extra $200 a month to offset higher prices. The cost of everything from coffee to beef to health care is up, in large part due Trump’s chaotic tariffs, and Democrats are fighting to deliver some financial relief and lower costs for Americans. This new legislation to expand Social Security is an emergency lifeline for seniors struggling to afford Trump’s tariffs and rising inflation.” 

What Happens Next 

VA’s drive to enhance claims processing is expected to continue as demand holds steady and as more veterans become aware of new programs and protections.  

For more information or assistance with benefits, veterans are encouraged to consult the VA’s online resources or contact accredited advocacy organizations.