Originally published: 2026-10-21T14:00:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.
WASHINGTON — More than 300,000 new Veterans have enrolled in VA healthcare so far in 2026, a testament to the landmark improvements VA has made during the second Trump Administration.
Under President Trump, VA is improving its outreach to Veterans who aren’t enrolled in VA care and benefits, which can save Veterans and their families thousands of dollars each year. This effort has already led to more than 1.8 million completed or scheduled medical appointments with Veterans who joined in 2026. That includes more than 420,000 mental health appointments and more than 16,000 emergency care visits.
“Under the leadership of President Trump, VA is improving its service to Veterans at a record pace, and the more than 300,000 new Veterans who have enrolled in VA healthcare this year underscore the success of our reforms,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “From expanding access to care, to reducing backlogs and wait times, and rebuilding VA facilities, President Trump’s VA is putting Veterans first in all that we do.”
Veterans can learn more about VA here or call VA 24/7 at 800-698-2411. or call VA 24/7 at 800-698-2411.
Under the second Trump Administration, VA is putting Veterans first by relentlessly focusing on customer service and convenience. We’re making VA benefits better, faster and easier to use than ever before:
- VA has opened 43 new healthcare clinics since January 2025, expanding access for Veterans around the country.
- The backlog of Veterans waiting for VA benefits is down more than 70% since Jan. 20, 2025, after it increased 24% during the Biden Administration.
- VA’s average disability claims processing time is down 46% since Jan. 20, 2025.
- VA completed a record high 82,083,918 direct care appointments in FY 2025, up 4.1% from FY 2024.
- VA completed a record high 59,989,662 community care appointments in FY 2025, up 12% from FY 2024.
- VA approved nearly $5 billion in FY 2026 to modernize, repair and improve health care facilities, the largest non-recurring maintenance investment in VA’s history.
- Since Jan. 20, 2025, VA has offered Veterans more than 3.4 million appointments outside of normal operating hours. These early-morning, evening, and weekend appointments are giving Veterans more timely and convenient options for care.
- VA permanently housed 51,936 homeless Veterans across the country in FY25, the highest total in seven years.
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Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.
