The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a major milestone affecting benefits for Veterans. In a press release issued on February 23, 2026, it reported that the backlog of disability compensation and pension benefit claims has been reduced by 63 percent since last year and is now below 100,000.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reversed its decision to shift disability compensation decisions based on how well veterans function while on medication.

A VA spokesperson called the report "political theater" after it raised concerns. A scathing report released this week by Democratic congressional staff sharply criticized the Department of Veterans Affairs, accusing the agency of dramatically reducing its healthcare capacity after slashing tens of thousands of jobs in the past fiscal year.