During the first week of each month, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs updates its reporting to reflect the claim status for applicants requesting disability benefits from the VA. Here, we’ll review September 2016 veterans disability benefits statistics to see how the claims backlog and inventory numbers have changed over the past 30 days.
September 2016 Veterans Disability Benefits Statistics: Claims Inventory Status
This month’s claims inventory status report from the Veterans Benefits Administration includes both pension and compensation applicants who are still awaiting a decision from the VA. As of September 3, 2016, there were 380,688 claims listed within this category. Once again, this month’s claims number rose by several thousand over the previous month’s inventory numbers. This increase in September 2016 veterans disability benefits claims continues the trend we’ve seen throughout this year, which shows that the program’s benefits are currently in high demand.
- As of September 3, 2016: 380,688
- As of August 1, 2016: 376,797
- Difference: 3,891
- Daily churn: +194.6 claims
September 2016 Veterans Disability Benefits Statistics: Claims Backlog Status
Any claim that’s been pending a decision from the VA fore longer than 125 days is classified under the backlog category. During the first week of September, there were 79,155 claims listed in this backlog. This shows the second consecutive rise in two months, and the jump in September 2016 veterans disability benefits claims currently backlogged is, unfortunately, a significant one.
- As of September 3, 2016: 79,155
- As of August 1, 2016: 75,794
- Difference: +3,361
- Daily churn: +168 claims added to backlog
This dramatic shift in backlogged claims may be disheartening to veterans still waiting for an answer from the VA. However, it’s important to note that these numbers are nearly identical to the backlog stats from April. In other words, yes, the VA may be a bit behind in clearing out the claims backlog, but it’s nothing to worry about for those currently considering filing a disability claim with the VA in the near future.
Can An Attorney Help?
Getting ready to apply for disability benefits from the VA? Then first, get a free legal consultation with a VA-accredited attorney. A VA-accredited lawyer knows which medical evidence to submit, can check your case status and appeal your denial, if needed. Most attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you’ll pay no out-of-pocket fees unless your case wins.
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free online 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.