Story perspectives

VA Backlog Plummets 49% as Services Expand for Veterans

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Doug Collins, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, said backlog declined by 49% since January 2025.
Collins said Trump administration reversed Biden-era trends.
The VA opened 20 new clinics and logged more than 1.4 million appointments outside normal hours.
In fiscal year 2025, the VA housed 51,936 homeless veterans, the highest since 2019.
Collins cited termination of union contracts and ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, redirecting funds to veteran services.

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Story summary

Doug Collins, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, said backlog declined by 49% since January 2025.
Collins said Trump administration reversed Biden-era trends.
The VA opened 20 new clinics and logged more than 1.4 million appointments outside normal hours.
In fiscal year 2025, the VA housed 51,936 homeless veterans, the highest since 2019.
Collins cited termination of union contracts and ending Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, redirecting funds to veteran services.