The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced that it processed 1.3 million disability compensation and pension claims in fiscal year 2014 – the highest number in VA history. The number of claims processed in fiscal year 2014 surpassed the number of claims processed in fiscal year 2013 by more than 150,000 claims. In addition to processing more claims, the VA has reduced its disability claims backlog (defined as a disability claim that has been pending for more than 125 days) by 60 percent since March 2013. According to VA statistics, veterans waited an average of 119 days less for a decision on their claim than veterans did in fiscal year 2013.
The VA attributes its increased processing speed and decrease in its backlogged claims to increased utilization of web-based electronic claims processing and the fully developed claim program in which a veteran submits his or her claim with all available evidence and certifies that they have no more evidence to submit. In fiscal year 2014, over 4.5 million veterans and survivors received more than $72.7 billion in VA compensation and pension benefits.
If you are a veteran who needs help navigating the VA disability claims process, contact the experienced veterans’ disability attorneys at Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. today for a free case evaluation. Gardberg & Kemmerly, P.C. serve veterans across the Gulf Coast, including, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.