The Department of Veterans Affairs has cut away at the case backlog of veterans awaiting their benefits by nearly 40% since President Trump took office in January.

On Wednesday, the VA announced that it has processed more disability benefits compensation and pension ratings in a single year than ever before.

The department processed 2,517,519 claims in fiscal year 2024. In 2025, with two months left before the end of the fiscal year, the department by Friday had finalized 2,524,115 cases.

The news comes amid a watchdog report that staffing shortages at the agency are on the rise.

VA facilities reported more than 4,400 unfilled positions, a 50% increase from fiscal year 2024.

The VA’s Office of Inspector General said 94% of its facilities reported “severe occupational staffing shortages” in the medical officer field, while 79% noted severe shortages for nurses.

The inspector general said 57% of the VA facilities reported a shortage in the psychology department, while 79% said they had severe shortages in the number of nurses.

The Trump administration said the backlog of veterans awaiting VA benefits has dropped by more than 37%, after rising 24% during the Biden administration. In July, the VA completed more than 300,000 claims in a single month. The agency said they are processing claims nearly 18% faster in the 2025 fiscal year, as compared to the year before.

“Under President Trump, the VA is making major improvements to better serve veterans,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement. “We look forward to implementing more reforms to increase customer service and convenience for those we are charged with serving.”

The Veterans Administration has opened 16 new clinics around the country since President Trump moved into the White House. It is spending an additional $800 million on infrastructure improvements to “ensure VA facilities provide safe and effective patient care.”

“We look forward to rolling out many more improvements in the future as we continue to make the department work better for the veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors we serve,” Mr. Collins said.

The VA said they are continuing to phase out treatment for gender dysphoria and have ended the agency’s previous support for diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.