VA Reaches Record Low Backlog Figures

This week, the VA is celebrating a record low disability claims figure. On their VAntage Blog, they announced that the number has reached 98,535, down from its all-time high 611,000 claims in March 2013.

VA authorities believe this decrease is the result of setting an average 125-day processing goal in 2009 along with the implementation of the Transformation Plan in 2011, setting in motion a series of personnel changes, reconfigured processes and technology initiatives that improved the backlog.

The blog post discusses how VA employees, 53 percent of whom are veterans themselves, took a vested interest in improving the quality of care within the agency. Here are some figures that support their efforts:

  • Claims-based quality is currently at 91% (up from 83%).
  • Employees are making the right decision regarding quality categories within a claim 98% of the time.
  • The VA is on track to complete 1.4 million claims this fiscal year, exceeding the 1 million mark for the fifth successive year.
  • They are expediting claims, most of which are Fully Developed Claims.
  • The average wait for a claim decision is currently 105 days, down from 282 days in March 2013.
  • The VA has completed around 75% more non-rating work than in 2011.
  • Appeals rates have averaged 10-12% despite the increased production.

If you have questions about applying for veterans’ disability benefits or appealing the denial of your claim, we encourage you to contact our office immediately to find out how we can help. We offer 100% free initial meetings, either by phone or at one of our five West Virginia offices — in Parkersburg, Charleston, Logan, Huntington or Beckley — and Charlotte, NC.

You can call us toll free at 877-526-3455 or click here to schedule your free initial consultation today.

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