VA Claim Backlog:
What Veterans Need to Know
If you’ve filed a disability compensation claim with VA recently, you may be wondering how long it will take to hear back. You’re not alone— hundreds of thousands of Veterans nationwide are waiting on decisions, and the system may be moving slower than many would like.
As of August 16, 2025, VA reported 675,319 pending claims and a backlog of 154,873 claims (pending for more than 125 days). The average time to complete a claim is about 131 days. Cases may be decider sooner or take longer depending on evidence, exams, or appeals.
Understandably, this backlog can cause frustration. But there are a few important points to keep in mind:
County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) are not VA employees. We help prepare and submit claims, but we do not decide them, nor do we control how long VA takes.
CVSOs have limited visibility into claim status. While we can often see where things stand in the system, we may not be able to explain why a case is delayed or when it will move forward.
The best and most direct answers come straight from VA.
So, how do you check on your claim? Veterans have two reliable options:
- Online at VA.gov – Sign in with Login.gov or ID.me, and use the “Check your claim or appeal status” tool.
- By phone – Call VA’s main line at 800-827- 1000. Your inquiry is logged in the system and may even help keep your claim moving.
If you’d prefer, you can still contact your CVSO to check on your claim. Just know that our role is more about making sure the claim is properly filed and supported with evidence—not about influencing VA’s processing time.
It’s natural to feel anxious while waiting, especially if the benefits will make a real difference in your life. But patience is essential. VA is processing claims at record levels. Progress is happening, even if the wait feels long.
Event Reminder: How to create an ID.me or Login.gov account for Veterans Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 3:30pm to 4:45pm Presented by Operation Volunteers For Veterans (Operation V4V) Public Library – 320 Waterfront Drive, Two Harbors Veterans will learn how to and receive assistance creating am account. Please bring your smart phone or tablet, if you have one, your email account information (to include password), and a photo ID. Treats will be provided.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
