#VeteransAffairs | AM 1180 Radio

July 10, 2026

VA Claims Backlog Falls Below 70,000 for First Time Since 2020

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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a major milestone in processing disability claims, with the backlog of veterans waiting for benefits dropping below 70,000 for the first time in more than six years.

According to the VA, the number of disability compensation and pension claims pending longer than 125 days—the department’s definition of a backlog—has fallen below the 70,000 mark for the first time since February 2020. The agency says the backlog has been reduced by more than 74 percent since January 2025.

The VA also reports that it is processing claims faster than at any point in its history. The average time to complete a disability compensation or pension claim is now 77.7 days, a record low. Since the beginning of 2025, the department says it has completed more than one million claims in fewer than 30 days.

VA Secretary Doug Collins said the improvements mean faster decisions, better service, and quicker access to benefits for veterans and their families.

The agency also highlighted several additional accomplishments over the past year, including opening 38 new VA health care facilities, processing more than 3 million disability compensation and pension claims during Fiscal Year 2025, offering veterans more than 3 million appointments outside normal business hours, and permanently housing 51,936 homeless veterans, the highest annual total in seven years.

Veterans who have not yet applied for benefits or health care are encouraged to visit VA.gov or Choose.VA.gov to learn more about available programs and begin the application process.

June 17, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

VA Says Prosthetic Limb Delivery Times Will Drop For Thousands Of Veterans

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The Department of Veterans Affairs says thousands of Veterans who rely on prosthetic limbs should soon receive them faster after the agency streamlined its purchasing process.

According to the VA, previous procurement rules required all prosthetic limb orders to be approved by a contracting officer, adding several weeks to delivery times. On April 22, 2026, VA Secretary Doug Collins exempted about 95 percent of prosthetic limb orders from that review process.

The change allows local purchasing agents to order directly from local suppliers when prosthetic limb prices are already set by Medicare. VA officials say that removes unnecessary review steps where no price negotiation is needed.

The VA says the changes have already reduced wait times by about 10 days. Once fully implemented nationwide, the department expects average delivery times to fall by more than 40 percent, from 94 days to 54 days.

“Every day counts for Veterans,” Collins said, adding that the changes are aimed at helping clinicians and procurement teams provide prosthetic care faster.

More than 45,000 Veterans receive major limb loss care through the VA each year.

May 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

VA Highlights Importance Of Spiritual Care In Helping Homeless Veterans Recover

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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says recovery for homeless veterans involves more than simply finding housing, emphasizing that emotional and spiritual support can play a major role in helping veterans rebuild their lives.

May 16, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

VA Approves Record $596 Million for Facility Improvements During Second Quarter of FY 2026

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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved $596 million in infrastructure improvements during the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 as part of a historic $4.8 billion investment in non-recurring maintenance projects nationwide.

April 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

VA Reports Major Improvements In Processing Veteran Benefits Claims

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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced significant progress in reducing wait times for disability claims and survivor benefits, highlighting major improvements in service for Veterans and their families.

April 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Veterans’ Trust In VA Hits Record High

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Trust in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has reached an all-time high, according to new data released by the VA.

Officials say 82% of veterans who used VA services in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 reported they trust the agency to fulfill its commitment to them.