Starting in October, VA will hire and train new staff to ensure Veterans’ claims are adjudicated quickly by helping to reduce the expected increase in the backlog of claims (those that are pending for more than 125 days). VA is taking the following proactive steps to help in the reduction:

  • Hire and train 2,000 new employees to assist in claims processing.
  • Utilize funds provided via the American Rescue Plan for overtime to ensure timely claims processing.
  • Deploy requested Fiscal Year 2022 budget resources to support Agent Orange presumptive processing, as well as for general compensation and pension claims processing.

As of October 11, there were more than 204,000 backlogged claims in an inventory of 603,000 total claims. VA identified more than 70,000 claims to review for additional entitlement stemming from the presumptive relationship between Agent Orange and Parkinsonism, bladder cancer and hypothyroidism. Many of these will enter the backlog in October, which is projected to reach 260,000 pending claims.

“VA is committed to ensuring timely access to benefits and services for all Veterans,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “This includes making sure that Veterans who may have experienced adverse health effects from military related exposures can get access to the benefits they need. As we process claims – such as those for three new disabilities presumptively linked to Agent Orange exposure, including proactive application of Nehmer provisions, as well as three new Gulf War particulate exposure presumptives – we anticipate the claims backlog to increase this fall. The hiring of new employees will help us resolve these claims more quickly.”

Several factors have contributed to the recent backlog. Beginning in March 2020, operational changes necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an untimely delay of the Federal Records Centers’ retrieval of documents, which led to suspended Compensation and Pension (C&P) examinations. While these actions were necessary to protect the health and safety of employees and Veterans, they slowed the processing time for claims. VA workload has also increased as a result of the aforementioned recent decisions and actions, including a court order mandating the review of previously denied Veterans on the basis of qualifying service in the 12 nautical miles surrounding Vietnam.

The backlog has decreased by more than 14,000 claims since the end of August 2021. With continued improvement of VA’s ability to obtain C&P examinations and Federal Records, and with all requested resources received, VBA plans to address the impending increase and then further reduce the current claims backlog to 100,000 claims by April 2024.

Learn more about claims and to view reports visit Detailed Claims Data.

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69 Comments

  1. Esmeralda Garcia November 9, 2021 at 22:27

    I am a gold star widow and I have tried for years to get in an strongly believe you have to know someone to get in. I will still keep trying.

  2. Ranae Hopf November 9, 2021 at 21:14

    Don’t know why they put things in the news letter after the fact. Just received the emailed news letter for November 21 and there is just one opening in Illinois. Not the first time I tried to inquire and it was after the fact.

  3. Donald t Beavers November 9, 2021 at 17:14

    I go to site and it is only5 locations hiring and all on east coast and chicago!

    • ESMERALDA GARCIA November 10, 2021 at 10:08

      Good Morning Donald, You should still apply as it allows teleworking (work from home) . I am also going to give it a shot.

      Have a great rest of a day

  4. Marcus Map November 9, 2021 at 13:47

    Hello, I am a disabled veteran and would like to know if you have remote opportunities available? Please let me know.

  5. Gloria November 4, 2021 at 15:39

    Could you please provide the job announcement with link to apply? I am also a veteran and desire to apply for one of the job openings. Thank you.

  6. Raymond C Cardwell November 4, 2021 at 14:10

    VA claim processor.

    • Camitta November 4, 2021 at 15:23

      I am interested in being a claims processor for the Va. Where should one apply?

      • Veronica November 4, 2021 at 15:50

        Look on USAJOBS.GOV under Department of Veteran Affairs.

        • Askia November 8, 2021 at 16:52

          How do I obtain my SCD if I’m a veteran and I’ve never worked the federal government

      • Rob Sherman November 5, 2021 at 00:09
  7. Tyra November 4, 2021 at 13:43

    How can I apply for a position to help with the processing of these claims? I am a daughter of a VV & a certified medical biller/coder.

  8. Richard Mehochko November 4, 2021 at 12:24

    I would like to receive a hard copy please

  9. Annette Diaz November 4, 2021 at 11:36

    I would be interested in serving as a claims processor.

  10. Tony Backer November 4, 2021 at 11:33

    For those of you looking for the the Veteran’s Benefits Guide, go here and click on the icon of the book: https://ww2.stripes.com/epaper/special-publications/veterans-benefits-guide

  11. John J Thompson Jr October 30, 2021 at 11:13

    I would like a hard copy please.

  12. Ed Novotasky October 28, 2021 at 11:53

    pls. send me a hard copy.

    • Elmira Elmore November 4, 2021 at 15:02

      I am interested in serving as a claim processor. I am experienced in military benefits.

      • Joseph A Gracia November 4, 2021 at 18:59

        So would I.

  13. Havener Bowden October 26, 2021 at 15:02

    Please send me a hard copy.

  14. Vern Rourke October 21, 2021 at 10:59

    Please send me a hard copy.

  15. Terry Rubenacker October 19, 2021 at 08:48

    Would like a hard copy please.

  16. Timothy M Zinkand / Joseph P Zinkand Sr October 17, 2021 at 16:15

    My father has been dead since may 13th and hes still sitting on the shelf I’m waiting for a burial cliam and he had Agent Orange exposure and haven’t heard a word it’s going on over 15 months now he been Fighting the VA for over 30 years and they still keep denying him every time

  17. Mike Goldin October 17, 2021 at 10:56

    Pront copy, please?

    • Brandyn Martin November 4, 2021 at 13:58

      I would be in servicing as a claim processing rep

  18. mary keefe October 16, 2021 at 13:29

    could you tell me hoe I may a printed copy of VA Benefits Guide Thank You

  19. Mark October 16, 2021 at 10:15

    How do I get the print edition???

  20. OLIVER GOOLD October 15, 2021 at 20:01

    I WANT A PRINT COPY PLEASE
    OLIVER GOOLD

    I AM DISABLED VETERAN OF WORLD WAR II.
    THANK YOU

  21. Rudy Hernandez October 15, 2021 at 19:47

    If the VA would prescribe more EPAP like the Bongo Rx to early obstructive sleep apnea symptoms, we could reverse the progression of sleep apnea in most cases, as EPAP tones the airway. When we wait for 12 events over two hours before prescribing therapy, we are allowing the disease to progress. CPAP does nothing to tone the thoracic region like EPAP. Veterans do not want to become disabled. They just want to feel healthy again.

  22. Rafael Kortright October 15, 2021 at 12:04

    Fresno VA is trash, they sent me back to work with torn meniscus and said it’s okay. Why do people go to doctor? Should have gone to car dealership to have surgery. Helping themselves to profit. I put claim in 2016, and got denied. Appeal in 2018 and still waiting 2 surgery pass(2017 and 2020).

  23. Peggy S Nelson October 15, 2021 at 11:14

    I would like a printed copy

  24. Amanda Schroeder October 15, 2021 at 09:34

    Can you confirm if the job title of these 2,000 jobs is Veterans Service Representative? And do you know when the jobs will be opening? I only see a few on USAJobs. Thank you!

    • Rick N November 4, 2021 at 14:46

      Did you ever get a reply to your questions?

  25. Giogi Chiappo-West October 15, 2021 at 01:22

    Would like a print copy of the Veteran’s Benefit Guide please. Where can I order one?

  26. Kimberly Cupp October 15, 2021 at 00:16

    May current employees apply for the positions?

  27. Marlin B Johnson October 14, 2021 at 19:27

    Like evey one else how do I get a print copy?

  28. John magnarelli October 14, 2021 at 19:15

    Can you send me the print Guide

    • William T. Fowler October 15, 2021 at 13:07

      Please send me a print copy , please. Thank you.

  29. Dennis Burrow October 14, 2021 at 18:52

    Like many you sure don’t make it easy to order a print version. Why bother us with your website if its not working for us.

  30. John R Meade October 14, 2021 at 18:27

    I would like a printed copy.
    John Meade

  31. Elmer Leon Lucas October 14, 2021 at 16:25

    I serve as a Veteran Service Officer and this book would greatly assist me in answering the many questions i get from Veterans. Please send a copy.

  32. TERRENCE SMITH October 14, 2021 at 14:48

    PLEASE SEND A PRINT COPY.

  33. Donald S Corinna October 14, 2021 at 13:42

    Please forward a print copy. Thanks, Don Corinna

  34. james bronson October 14, 2021 at 12:00

    send me the booklet that has all the benetfits

  35. WAYNE TEKAMP October 14, 2021 at 10:27

    How do I get a printed copy of the “Veterans Benefits Guide”? Please provide this information.

  36. Michael Corbett October 14, 2021 at 10:21

    Type the following into your address bar https://ww2.stripes.com/epaper/special-publications/veterans-benefits-guide then click on READ
    Hope this helps. Then you can print

  37. Francis X.Murphy October 14, 2021 at 08:59

    Need a print copy of VABenefits

    • ray mckenzie October 14, 2021 at 10:24

      i want print
      if you are not going to tell us how to get it why say there is print

  38. C Sweaney October 14, 2021 at 08:46

    How can you order this?

  39. Greg Niggle October 14, 2021 at 08:45

    Where am I to get the Veterans guide?

  40. Robert Goodmna October 14, 2021 at 08:33

    It would be nice if you told us how to get it! You tell all of the great things but never tell us how the hell to get it – STUPID!

  41. Larry Sprinkle October 14, 2021 at 03:27

    How do I request a printed copy of the “Veterans Benefits Guide” ?

  42. Larry Sprinkle October 14, 2021 at 03:26

    How do I request a printed copy of the Veterans Benefits Guide?

  43. JAMES RYAN October 13, 2021 at 23:10

    I see where to go for a digital version of the VA Benefits, but I only see a reference to there being a printed version. I do not see how to order a printed version. Can you provide that information?

  44. Robert F Boggus October 13, 2021 at 23:01

    Interested in full or part time employment. Batchlors in Civil Eng. Masters
    in Bus. Admin. Good health.

  45. Raymond H Elliott October 13, 2021 at 22:39

    How do I get a print copy of
    “The Veteran’s Benefits Guide”?

    • Dunphy, Preston October 14, 2021 at 08:40

      As noted above, no information is provided on how to actually get the printed copy of the updated “Veterans Benefits Guide” should one desire such. Please provide that information.

  46. Melvin Anderson October 13, 2021 at 22:38

    How do I order this in Print ???

    • Dan Chance October 14, 2021 at 08:45

      How do I get the print copy?

  47. Eugene Edmund Kramer October 13, 2021 at 21:05

    Thanks

  48. Virgil Bierschwale October 13, 2021 at 20:05

    I’m a computer programmer, and a pretty good one, so I could do this job, or any of them, yet I’m not even given the opportunity to try as shown by this.

    How will you hire these people when your systems are so inflexible?

    Dear Virgil Bierschwale,

    This refers to the application you recently submitted to this office for the position below:
    Position Title: Medical Support Assistant
    Pay Plan/Series/Grade: GS-0679-5
    Hiring Office: Department of Veterans Affairs

    Based on the application package you submitted and/or the answers provided on the occupational questionnaire you were found:
    Ineligible for the following position or positions:

    GS-0679-5; You are ineligible for this series/specialty/grade combination because you do not meet the minimum qualifications of this position.

    This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT in support of VA’s National hiring initiative and applicants are referred on an ‘as needed’ basis. NOTE: Announcement will remain open until no longer needed but no later than 09/30/2021.

    If you choose to update your application, please ensure 1) all required documents are submitted and 2) submitted resume/CV provides specific details to include all applicable information listed below:
    Work experience: Job title, duties (be as detailed as possible), month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008), full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week), and series and grade for all Federal positions you have held, if applicable
    Licensure/Certification/Registration: State, #, expiration date, if applicable
    Training/Education: School/Training Site name, degree/trainings completed obtained, completion date.
    If updates are made and your referral status changes you will receive notice. If you were found ineligible and no updates are made, this is your final notice regarding this vacancy announcement for this position, series, grade and location(s).

    If you have questions regarding this notice please contact VHA National Recruitment Center at VHANationalRecruitmentCenter@va.gov or (844)456-5208.
    PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL MESSAGE. IT IS AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED.

    Thank you for your interest in employment with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

    • Cvb October 20, 2021 at 09:04

      When you submit your application and the questionnaire, you are submitting your answers to an automated system.
      You have to make sure that you use the right keywords in your resume, have the amount of experience they are looking for, and you have to make sure that you meet the criteria in terms of either merit promotion, reinstatement eligible or if the job is open to the public. Also it could mean they just aren’t hiring right now. It’s not a perfect system. Keep trying.

  49. Elton I. Stilwell October 13, 2021 at 20:05

    I would be interested in serving as a claims facilitator in the cenral Texas area,especially the Kerrville VA center..

  50. James October 13, 2021 at 19:32

    Would be nice if you listed the location individuals could apply for the jobs?

Comments are closed.

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