Every month, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issues an updated VA disability claims report that lists both current inventory and backlog numbers. In our September 2017 veterans disability benefits statistics report review, we’ll highlight any important changes during the past 30 days.
September 2017 Veterans Disability Benefits Statistics: Claims Inventory Status
The monthly statistical report issued by the Veterans Benefits Administration lists both pension and compensation claims awaiting a determination decision from the VA. On September 2, 2017, there were 331,410 applications in the claims inventory. Much like we saw in August, the September report showed major declines across the board. When you look at the difference since December 2016, the claims inventory fell by nearly 60,000. Whatever the VA is doing to help streamline their disability claim review process, we approve — it’s clearly working!
- As of September 2, 2017: 331,410
- As of August 5, 2017: 348,344
- Difference: -16,934
- Daily churn: -846.7 claims
September 2017 Veterans Disability Benefits Statistics: Claims Backlog Status
Applicants who wait more than 125 days for the VA to determine their benefits eligibility fall under the claims backlog. Looking at the September 2017 veterans disability benefits statistics report, that backlog currently holds 81,646 claims. It appears that the VA cleared 6% of the overall claims backlog this month. This means some very patient vets finally got access to the monthly disability benefits they’re rightfully owed.
- As of September 2, 2017: 81,646
- As of August 5, 2017: 87,713
- Difference: -6,067
- Daily churn: -303.35 claims cleared from the backlog
September’s report brings this year’s total down to a new all-time low, which is fantastic. We hope this trend continues during the end of this year!
Connect With A VA-Accredited Advocate Near You
Need help with your claim, but not sure where to turn? We can connect you with a VA-accredited advocate who handles applications just like yours today. Someone who can answer your questions, speak to the VA on your behalf or fight the VA’s lawyers during your appeal, if needed.
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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.