VA Shifts Focus from Wait Times to Care Quality in New Performance Review

During the Military Influencer Conference in Tampa, Florida, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said the VA is revising its performance metrics to prioritize the quality of care veterans receive, moving beyond the traditional emphasis on wait times. The agency cited record-high community-care appointments—nearly 60 million in fiscal 2025, a 12 percent rise—and a 4.1 percent increase in direct-care visits at VA facilities.

It also processed more than three million disability claims ahead of schedule in fiscal 2026, cutting average processing time to 75.6 days. While the surge in appointments and faster claims handling are praised, analysts stress that evaluating treatment outcomes and provider capacity will be essential. Comments from Alex Beene and Michael Ryan highlighted the importance of measuring effectiveness after appointments are made. The VA’s shift reflects a broader effort to ensure that expanded access translates into better health results for veterans.