Near the beginning of each month, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issues an updated report on VA disability claims inventory and backlog numbers. In our August 2017 veterans disability benefits statistics overview, we’ll go over statistical changes occurring within the last 30 days.
August 2017 Veterans Disability Benefits Statistics: Claims Inventory Status
Each month’s statistical report from the Veterans Benefits Administration lists pension and compensation claims still pending the VA’s review. On August 5, 2017, there were 348,344 claims listed in the inventory category. The August report shows another steep drop in claims inventory numbers. Compare that to this year’s peak in March, when more than 390,000 applications crowded the claims inventory category. Any acceleration in the VA review process or fewer overall claims helps get disabled vets access to much-needed benefits they’re rightfully owed.
- As of August 5, 2017: 348,344
- As of July 1, 2017: 368,858
- Difference: -20,514
- Daily churn: -1,025.7 claims
August 2017 Veterans Disability Benefits Statistics: Claims Backlog Status
Any vets waiting more than 125 days for a determination decision transfer into the VA’s backlog. There are 87,713 in this month’s backlog, according to the August 2017 veterans disability benefits statistics report. The VA’s clearing more than 100 claims per day from this category, which is great progress!
- As of August 5, 2017: 87,713
- As of July 1, 2017: 90,318
- Difference: -2,605
- Daily churn: -130.25 claims cleared from the backlog
This month’s shows that backlogged applications are getting through the review and appeals process faster. In fact, this is the lowest claim backlog we’ve seen since January’s report.
You May Qualify For Legal Assistance
Need help figuring out your claim, but worried about paying for a lawyer? You may qualify for legal assistance from our network of VA-accredited attorneys. An experienced disability advocate or lawyer can help you get through the confusing claims process, represent your appeal and get status updates from the VA on your behalf.
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free online benefits evaluation now.
Get Your Free Benefits Evaluation
Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.