The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has experienced a notable transformation under the guidance of President Donald Trump and Secretary Doug Collins. Through decisive actions, the leadership has succeeded in streamlining processes and improving services for America’s veterans. By September 2025, the backlog of claims older than 125 days dropped from 260,000 to below 114,000, reflecting a remarkable 56 percent reduction in just over eight months.
This improvement is not merely anecdotal; the numbers strongly reinforce the claims being made. At its lowest point in years, the backlog continues to dwindle, indicating effective management. Secretary Collins pointed out in a November statement, “The backlog of veterans waiting for VA benefits is down more than 49% since January 20, 2025.” The VA’s record-breaking processing of three million disability claims by the end of September signified a new operational high.
A viral social media post encapsulated the sentiment surrounding these changes: “🚨 HOLY SMOKES! It has been confirmed that President Trump and VA Sec. Doug Collins are rapidly cleaning up the ‘SH*TSHOW’ at the VA… slashing the 260,000 backlog of 125 days to under 114,000.” This reaction highlights the widespread approval of the administration’s efforts.
In addition to reducing the backlog, the VA’s overall performance has accelerated. The average claim processing time improved from 141.5 days to 131.8 days, showcasing a 6.8 percent enhancement in a mere six-month span. Collins emphasized this commitment to results, stating, “We’re focused on getting results for veterans.”
Improvements extend beyond claims processing. The VA established 20 new healthcare clinics in 2025, significantly increasing veterans’ access to medical appointments. Furthermore, the introduction of 1.4 million off-hours appointments afforded greater flexibility for working and rural veterans to receive essential care.
Housing stability for veterans has also seen advancements, with 51,936 homeless veterans housed during fiscal year 2025. This progress is tightly linked to the administration’s efforts to eliminate waste, including the termination of unnecessary government-union contracts that, according to Collins, comprised “hundreds of wasteful and duplicative contracts.” These cancellations have redirected resources toward increased support for veterans.
Secretary Collins has also spearheaded the decision to halt Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and phase out treatments for gender dysphoria, asserting these changes were necessary operational decisions. He argued, “Frankly, this commonsense reform should have been done years ago.” While certain critics raise concerns about the implications for specific populations, proponents maintain that these reforms bolster the agency’s core mission of effectively serving veterans.
From Capitol Hill, bipartisan support bolsters this commitment to reform. The House of Representatives recently passed the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which includes a 3 percent funding increase for the VA. Leaders like Rep. Mike Bost and Rep. French Hill have backed these changes, highlighting the much-needed progress made since the troubles of previous years.
As the statistics testify, the improvements are measurable. The backlog has seen a significant cut, while over $120 billion in compensation and pension benefits were disbursed to veterans and their families in FY 2025. Staffing changes, including the return of thousands of employees to in-office work, have fostered greater collaboration and accountability, essential for the agency’s renewed focus on service.
Crucially, the turnaround has occurred without resorting to public layoffs. Most staffing reductions have been achieved through voluntary retirements and attrition, ensuring critical operational units remain at peak capacity.
The VA’s move to implement these reforms has not been without its challenges, particularly regarding the provisions for transgender services. Yet Collins maintains the administration’s unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline and an undiluted focus on veterans as guiding principles.
The outcomes speak volumes. With backlogs significantly reduced and timelines for service markedly improved, the Veterans Affairs Department is finally moving in the right direction. As November approaches, bringing with it Veterans Day 2025, the tangible progress achieved under Trump and Collins offers a powerful testament to the effectiveness of their agenda. Change is indeed underway, proving that promises made are beginning to reflect in concrete actions and results.
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