From: VFW Communications <Communications@vfw.org>
Date: Tue, Dec 10, 2024 at 12:04 PM
Subject: National Veterans Service Surpasses $14 Billion in Total Recovered VA Disability Compensation
To:

National Veterans Service Surpasses $14 Billion in Total Recovered VA Disability Compensation

The VFW's Accredited Service Officer network made significant impacts in veterans' lives infiscalyear 2024

WASHINGTON (Dec. 10, 2024) - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to announce it has surpassed a milestone in fiscal year 2024, as its National Veterans Service (NVS) network of 2,162 Accredited Service Officers recovered $14.6 billion in compensatory awards, resulting in tangible, positive impacts to the lives of more than half a million represented veterans.

"Once again, the hard work and dedication of our VFW accredited representatives shows in every single dollar that they recovered for the veterans, family members and survivors that VFW represents," said VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. "This is another milestone in our 125-year history, and it was accomplished through their magnificent efforts."

The NVS Accredited Service Officer network includes full-time VFW employees as well as individuals employed by other nonprofits and state and local governments across the nation. Every service officer provides Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-accredited claims assistance, free of charge, to transitioning service members, veterans, family members and survivors. Last year alone, the network processed roughly 146,000 veteran claims— more than 38,000 of which were brand new, initial claims for veterans, many of whom had never before applied for disability compensation. Of the new claims, about 14,000 were filed through the VFW's Pre-Discharge claims program on behalf of service members exiting the military.

Veteran disability compensation is an earned benefit for veterans who sustained injuries and/or illnesses during service. Governed by law and ensured to those who qualify as part of initial military enlistment contracts, eligibility for VA disability compensation is not just given. It requires a veteran to prove service-connection of their illness or injury by showing that an event occurred during service leading to or aggravating their condition, they have a present diagnosis of the condition, and a medical professional believes that the condition is at least as likely as not to have been incurred as a result of their service. This trio of requirements is known as a nexus. Once service-connection is established, VA disability compensation is awarded to mitigate the often-lifelong impacts their condition brings.

"The only point I am prouder of than our service officers' labors is that every single dollar of recouped compensation went to those we represent," said NVS Director Mike Figlioli. "Our service officers did it all out of a sense of duty, care and concern— for free!”

Notably, recent VA data suggest that veterans who interact with their VA benefits— including those receiving disability compensation— are at lowered risk of dying by suicide. Read the reporthere. 

The VFW's NVS program relies on grants and donors to operate. For every dollar received, an average of $1,678 is returned to veterans in earned benefits. To support NVS during this giving season, visithttps://vfwfoundation.org/ national-veterans-service/.

-vfw-