While wait times for new veterans' benefits claims have decreased, many veterans have claims pending for months or years. The decreased wait times only apply to new applicants, not those with claims on appeal. Over 400,000 claims are still waiting on appeal, in addition to the roughly 73,000 new claims that exceed the 125-day limit. Veterans' organizations work to file initial claims and appeals to help veterans receive the benefits they deserve in a timely manner.

1. Veterans Claims: Hurry
Up and Wait!

2. You may have heard in recent months that the wait time for Veterans
benefits claims has decreased – but many have had claims pending
for months or even years. So which is it?

3. Well, for one, the astounding ‘decrease’ only applies to new applicants
– not those who have claims on appeal. VA has also instituted some
new programs in the last few years in order to make initial claim
processing faster.

4. One of these is the Fully Developed Claim program, which allows claimants to submit all
of their evidence at once, certify that there is no additional evidence, and thereby in theory
throw the ball into VA’s court for a faster decision.

5. This is not always the best course of action, however, as VA has a Duty to Assist claimants
in developing their claims, and many claimants need that assistance in locating service
records and medical records and obtaining a medical exam before there would be enough
evidence for VA to issue a favorable decision.

6. VA also has a few other fast track programs, including for Agent
Orange claims and claims filed by Veterans who are homeless or in
grave need of financial assistance.

7. The VA says they used to have 600,000 cases backlogged, meaning having
been waiting more than 125 days. Now they are reporting only 73, 000
cases that have met or are over that 125 day limit. But, as a reminder that
is just new applicants.

8. While there might only be roughly 73, 000 new applicants,
there are still over 400, 000 claims waiting on appeal. This
means that there are roughly 500,000 claims pending.

9. We are committed to working ardently to file claims for veterans with all types
of disabilities. If your VA claim is denied, or if you wish to seek a higher
disability rating, we can help you file, appeal, and litigate your claim.

10. If VA has denied your claim, call Levine-Piro Law at 978-637-2048 to schedule
your consultation. A certified Veterans law attorney can assist you in developing
the evidence in your case, strengthening your claims, whether for service
connection, increased ratings, or earlier effective dates.