The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said it has processed 2.524 million disability-compensation and pension ratings claims so far in fiscal 2025, surpassing last year’s full-year record nearly two months before the Sept. 30 close. The agency completed more than 300,000 claims in July alone, marking the first time it has cleared that threshold in a single month. The stepped-up pace has cut the backlog of veterans awaiting benefits by about 37% to 40% since President Donald Trump took office on Jan. 20, according to the department. The VA added that it is handling claims 17.8% faster than a year ago even as receipts are running 10% higher, crediting process reforms and staffing adjustments for the gains.