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August 9, 2023

Why is My VA Claim Taking So Long? 4 (Ugly) Reasons Behind the VA Claims Backlog!

Last updated on July 29, 2024

I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.

If you want to learn how to implement these strategies to get the VA benefits you deserve, click here to speak with a VA claim expert for free.

Why is my VA claim taking so long?

How bad is the VA claims backlog?

What can I do to speed up my VA disability claim?

We’ll answer those questions and more in this new high-value blog post.

Here’s the brutal truth fellow veterans:

The VA claims backlog is real and it’s going to get even worse through 2024-2025.

Let’s explore the main reasons why your VA claim is taking so long for a decision as well as 3 tips to skip to the front-of-the-line and have your claim decided faster.

Why is My VA Claim Taking So Long in 2024?

Why is My VA Claim Taking So Long

There are the 4 main reasons why the VA is taking so long to review and rate your VA claim in 2024:

Reason #1: Sharp Rise in VA Claim Submissions

More claims than ever are being submitted to the VA, in particular, a sharp rise in PACT Act related claims for benefits.

For example, as of November 2023, there are 1,096,839 pending VA claims (submitted, but not decided), which is the highest number since 2012.

Note: Pending claims include VA disability compensation and pension claims that have been received by the VA and require development and a decision by a VA claims processor.

Reason #2: VBA Staffing Problems

The Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA) is having trouble recruiting and retaining quality talent, especially among the VSRs and RVSRs (key personnel who adjudicate VA claims for benefits).

You can view and search VBA jobs HERE.

Reason #3: VBA Broken Systems and Outdated Technology

The VBA’s systems are broken and outdated, especially the Veteran Benefits Management System (VBMS), which is the primary system VA personnel use to review and adjudicate your disability claim.

In addition, the exam requesting system is outdated and does not properly send the correct exam information to the private C&P exam companies, which causes a delay in conducting adequate exams for rating purposes.

Finally, the cloud system that ties to tracked VA claim items is not working properly, which causes claims that should be sent to reviewers to get stuck in the cloud (station 499).

Reason #4: VSRs and RVSRs are Overdeveloping Claims

We have seen a spike in VSRs and RVSRs ordering C&P exams for veterans who have submitted a Fully Developed Claim with a privately prepared DBQ.

This is called “overdevelopment” of a VA claim and shouldn’t be happening.

Overdevelopment bogs down the VA system when in reality, the RVSR can make a rating decision on the submitted DBQ alone without ordering a separate C&P exam.

Stop snap-ordering C&P exams when they aren’t needed!

How Many VA Claims Are Pending a Rating Decision?

There are over 1M pending VA claims right now

As of November 2023, there are 1,096,839 pending VA claims (submitted, but not decided), which is the highest number since 2012.

Click HERE to view the VA’s pending claims inventory.

How Many Backlogged VA Claims Are There in 2023?

VA Claims Backlog August 2023

As of November 2023, there are 301,408 backlogged VA claims, which is now at its highest point since June 2014.

Click HERE to view the VA’s backlogged claims inventory.

How Can I Speed Up My VA Claim?

How Can I Speed Up My VA Claim

You can help the VA help you get your VA claim approved faster, regardless of the claims backlog!

The VA Rater is not out to deny your claim — it’s on you to give the VA all the evidence the VA Rater needs to make a more accurate rating decision faster.

At VA Claims Insider, we teach veterans the “SEM Method,” which stands for Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence = VA Rating You Deserve Faster (Regardless of the VA Claims Backlog)

#1. Strategy:

Your VA claim Strategy should focus on:

  • 1-3 disability conditions per 1 claim only – simple, simple, simple, think less is more!
  • Mental health claims, simple increase claims, and/or secondary claims (if eligible)

#2. Education:

Your VA claim Education should focus on:

  • High-Value VA disability claims, which are claims that have a high likelihood of being rated at 30% or higher on their own.

#3. Medical Evidence:

Your VA claim Medical Evidence should focus on:

  • Mental health evaluation and Independent Medical Opinion (IMO) is preferred, if and only if, you have a mental health condition.
  • Medical evaluations to include first-time Medical Dx, Nexus Letters, and/or VA DBQs for high value claims only.

Wondering if you should get a Nexus Letter?

If you’ve already submitted your VA claim, you can call 1-800-827-1000, speak to a representative, and ask for the status of your claim.

How Bad is the VA Claims Backlog in 2024?

How Bad is the VA Claims Backlog in 2023

The VA backlog is the worst it’s been in over a decade, and it’s going to get even worse through 2024-2025.

In November 2023, the VA claims backlog hit 301,408—its highest point since June 2014.

The VA claims backlog number represents submitted VA claims that have been pending for more than 125 days since receipt by the VA.

How Long Does a VA Claim Take Right Now?

How Long Does a VA Claim Take Right Now

As of November 2023, on average, the VA is taking 146.7 days to decide Fully Developed Claims and 150.0 days for Standard Claims.

You can view the detailed VBA claims data HERE.

Need Nexus Letters and DBQs? WE CAN HELP!

How to Get Nexus Letters and DBQs

Are you looking to find high-quality Nexus Letters and DBQs?

Veterans who become members of the VA Claims Insider Elite program get access to a network of independent medical providers who can provide Nexus Letters and DBQs for your VA claim at reduced rates.

Why pay $1,500 to $2,000 for a Nexus Letter when you can get one for $595?

Click HERE to speak with an expert now for FREE (no risk, no obligation, no high-pressure sales tactics).

Are You Stuck, Frustrated, and Underrated? WATCH THIS:

  • 25,000+ disabled veterans served in our membership programs since 2016.
  • 30% average VA rating increase for veterans who complete our #1 rated Elite program.
  • Employs 215 teammates; comprised of 74 veterans and 16 military spouses.

About the Author

Brian Reese
Brian Reese

Brian Reese

Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.

A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.

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Elite Membership

Dear Veteran,
Here’s the brutal truth about VA disability claims:

According to our data, 8/10 (80%) of veterans reading this message right now are underrated by the VA…

This means you do NOT currently have the VA disability rating and compensation YOU deserve, and you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of tax-free compensation and benefits each month.

As a fellow disabled Veteran this is shameful and I’m on a mission to change it.

Brian Reese here, Air Force service-disabled Veteran and Founder @ VA Claims Insider.

Since 2016, VA Claims Insider has helped thousands of Veterans just like you get the VA rating and compensation they deserve in less time.

If accepted into our ELITE membership program, you’ll get free up-front access and permission to use $13,119 worth of proprietary VA claim resources, including access to our network of independent medical professionals for medical examinations, disability evaluations, and credible Medical Nexus Letters, which could help you get a HIGHER VA rating in LESS time.

It’s FREE to get started, so click “Go Elite Now” below to complete our 3-step intake process.

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