Read our analysis of the March 2019 veterans disability benefits statistics report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. See how the number of VA disability pension and compensation claims changed in the last 30 days below.
March 2019 Veterans Disability Benefits Statistics: Claims Inventory Status
The March 2019 veterans disability benefits statistics report lists all claims currently waiting on the VA’s ratings decision. On March 2, the VA claims inventory held nearly 368,000 unrated applications. That’s a major increase compared to what we saw listed in February’s VA claims report. While this jump in the claims inventory might scare some people, it helps to see these numbers in perspective. In February 2017, the same category held 389,932 unrated VA claims. That’s 5.7% higher than this month’s VA claims inventory numbers. Plus, claims in the inventory category might go right back down again in April’s report!
- As of March 2, 2019: 367,708
- As of February 2, 2019: 353,682
- Difference: +14,026
- Daily churn: +701 claims
In addition, it’s important to note that only 1 in 3 unrated disability claims for March come from first-time filers. The rest are supplemental claims for veterans the VA already pays some benefits to each month.
March 2019 Veterans Disability Benefits Statistics: Claims Backlog Status
After 125 days, the VA automatically transfers any unrated inventory claims into the backlog. While the claims inventory numbers rose in March, thankfully, backlogged claims fell nearly 1% over the last month.
- As of March 2, 2019: 80,450
- As of February 2, 2019: 81,073
- Difference: -623
- Daily churn: -31 claims cleared from the backlog
Supplemental claims make up 53% of backlogged applications this month. Less than half (47%) are from first-time applicants, which includes disabled vets as well as surviving spouses, widows and parents. Compared to last year, the March 2019 veterans disability benefits statistics report’s claims backlog is actually 1.7% smaller this month. Anytime you see numbers like these, don’t let them discourage you from applying for benefits! With the right legal assistance, you’re much more likely to get approved for the maximum VA benefits payment faster.
You May Qualify for Free Legal Assistance
A VA-accredited lawyer can help you get paid the most benefits you’re owed faster than filing on your own. In fact, you can meet with a lawyer in our network and get confidential legal advice for free. Since 2018, 82% of vets with attorneys handling their appeals prevailed against the VA in court. These attorneys all work on contingency, so you’ll pay nothing for professional claim help now. The fact is, if they don’t think your case can win, they won’t accept you as a client. And if your case does win, then you’ll only pay a small, one-time fee.
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free benefits evaluation now!
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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.