The United States veteran population is undergoing significant changes, with recent statistics highlighting both challenges and progress in veteran support services. As organizations like United Veteran Benefits Agency work tirelessly to assist veterans in navigating the complex landscape of VA benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs reports unprecedented growth in healthcare enrollment. Over the past 365 days, more than 401,000 veterans have enrolled in VA health care, marking a 30% increase from the previous year. This surge in enrollment is largely attributed to the bipartisan PACT Act. Despite an anticipated demographic shift over the coming years, the VA is processing disability claims at a record pace, with over 1 million claims processed in fiscal year 2024 by early March. These statistics underscore the evolving needs of America's veterans and the ongoing efforts to provide them with comprehensive support and care.

Veteran Stats:

Population

 As of 2023, there were more than 18 million living veterans in the United States, representing about 6% of the country's adult population. This number is projected to decline over the next 25 years, with the Department of Veterans Affairs estimating that the number of veterans will drop to 12.1 million by 2048.

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VA Disability Claims

 The Department of Veterans Affairs has been processing disability claims at a record pace.

• In fiscal year 2024, VA processed its one millionth veteran benefits claim by March 4, nearly six weeks faster than the previous record set in fiscal year 2023.
• Through February of fiscal year 2024, VA provided $69 billion in earned compensation and pension benefits to 6.5 million veterans and survivors.
• VA has been able to grant benefits for 60.4% of claims filed in 2024, including 75.1% of PACT Act claims.

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VA Healthcare Expansion

The VA has been expanding access to care and benefits:

• The PACT Act has empowered VA to expand health care and benefits to millions of veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving.
• VA hospitals have outperformed non-VA hospitals in two major independent, nationwide reviews for patient satisfaction and care quality.

Veteran Demographics

 The veteran population is becoming more diverse.

• Women veterans will increase from 11% of the veteran population in 2023 to 18% in 2048.
• The share of Hispanic veterans is expected to roughly double from 9% to 15% by 2048.
• The share of Black veterans is projected to increase from 13% to 15% by 2048.
• Gulf War-era veterans (those who served from August 1990 through the present) make up the largest group of living veterans at 7.8 million or 43% of the total.

Employment and Economic Status

The unemployment rate for veterans was 2.8% in 2023.

There are 446,270 service-connected disabled veterans in the state of Florida alone.

Other Relevant Veteran Information

• Veterans are applying for benefits at higher rates, with VA receiving 4.5% more claims in fiscal year 2024 compared to the same point in 2023. (One millionth claim processed '24)
• The VA is focusing on equity, releasing a 2024 Agency Equity Action Plan to ensure all veterans receive the health care and benefits they've earned, regardless of demographics.
• The VA has updated its mission statement to be more inclusive of all veterans, including women veterans, families, caregivers, and survivors.

These veteran stats highlight the changing landscape of the veteran population in the United States and the ongoing efforts to provide support and services to those who have served.

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This information is made available for educational purposes only. This information is not a substitute for legal or medical advice. United Veteran Benefits Agency makes no guarantee of the outcome on VA rating decisions.