The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hiring over 2,000 new staffers “to process a record number of benefits claims” in the next few years.
The VA said Thursday it would make the hires in Fiscal Year 2027 due to the predicted uptick in claims. On Oct. 16, the agency announced that it had processed 3.11 million compensation claims in FY26, breaking the previous record of 3 million claims they set in FY25.
The VA said it had granted 60.1% of all claims filed in FY26 and processed 93.88% accurately, dubbed the highest accuracy rate in three years. The department said that 3.2% of claims decisions were appealed to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.
The VA also claimed it had reduced the backlog by over 70% and slashed average processing times by 46%.
“VA is putting veterans first by making major improvements in claims processing volume, speed and accuracy. These new hires will help continue this landmark progress,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement.
Rise of VA Benefits Applications
VA benefits, including disability compensation, consist of monthly, tax-free monetary payments for veterans who have injuries or illnesses connected to their time on active duty or training.
The VA currently has 13,000 employees to process these claims. As of 2024, approximately 5.5 million U.S. veterans received service-connected disability benefits. But in recent years, compensation requests have increased.
In the last few years, the number of applications has increased. In 2022, the Biden administration passed the 2022 PACT Act which expanded toxic exposure benefits. This caused the claims backlog to grow by 24% as staff struggled to process millions of complex new filings.
Claims Rising to Meet Potential Demand
The VA also said the volume of claims is on the rise because the VA is campaigning to reach more non-enrolled veterans to make them aware of the benefits they are eligible for. The VA said it had run 11,000 live events to reach veterans, for instance.
Those who become claims processors will interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations and policies to process disability claims. The VA said it wanted veterans and others to apply for a career as a VA claims processor.
The VA also said it wanted to reach members of the U.S. Armed Forces who might want to join the VA once they transition out of military service.
They flagged a training strategy, the VA’s Warrior Training Advancement Course (WARTAC), as a way to upskill transitioning members while still on active duty.
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43 Comments
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Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
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Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
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Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Nice to see insider buying—usually a good signal in this space.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Silver leverage is strong here; beta cuts both ways though.
Silver leverage is strong here; beta cuts both ways though.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Exploration results look promising, but permitting will be the key risk.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
The cost guidance is better than expected. If they deliver, the stock could rerate.
The cost guidance is better than expected. If they deliver, the stock could rerate.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
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Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
I like the balance sheet here—less leverage than peers.
Nice to see insider buying—usually a good signal in this space.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Uranium names keep pushing higher—supply still tight into 2026.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Interesting update on VA Hiring Over 2,000 Employees to Process Influx of Benefits Claims. Curious how the grades will trend next quarter.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Exploration results look promising, but permitting will be the key risk.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
I like the balance sheet here—less leverage than peers.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Production mix shifting toward USA might help margins if metals stay firm.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Uranium names keep pushing higher—supply still tight into 2026.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Production mix shifting toward USA might help margins if metals stay firm.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
Good point. Watching costs and grades closely.
I like the balance sheet here—less leverage than peers.