On Monday, the VA reported that the disability compensation claims backlog has decreased by more than 5,000 claims since last week. However, there are still more than 140,000 veterans in the backlog, meaning they have been waiting more than 125 days for a claim decision. The number of total pending claims decreased as well, by about 8,500. Overall, almost 407,000 veterans are waiting for pending VA claims.

To eliminate the VA backlog by the end of FY 2015, the VA must reduce the number of backlogged claims by about 3,400 per week. Since March of 2013, the backlog has been reduced by almost 78%, with about 4,200 claims processed weekly. The number of appeals continues to grow, however, with almost 304,000 veterans now waiting on appeals decisions.

This week we continue to encourage IAVA members to complete our 2015 Member Survey before it closes. Make your voice heard – and let us know the most important issues facing you and your families by clicking here to take the survey. If you complete the survey, you will be entered into a drawing to win a free trip to NYC for Veterans Week. If you’ve already completed the survey, you are automatically entered into the drawing. For more information about the trip to NYC, click here.