Warning: Undefined array key "default" in /var/www/html/wp-content/themes/enfold/config-templatebuilder/avia-template-builder/php/base-classes/class-popup-templates-responsive.php on line 146 Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /var/www/html/wp-content/themes/enfold/config-templatebuilder/avia-template-builder/php/base-classes/class-popup-templates-responsive.php:146) in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/paid-memberships-pro/adminpages/reports/logins.php on line 444 Warning: session_start(): Session cannot be started after headers have already been sent in /var/www/html/wp-content/themes/enfold/config-templatebuilder/avia-shortcodes/masonry_entries/masonry_entries.php on line 102 Warning: session_start(): Session cannot be started after headers have already been sent in /var/www/html/wp-content/themes/enfold/config-templatebuilder/avia-shortcodes/portfolio/portfolio.php on line 53 DAV Veterans’ Benefits - Military Connection
Charity

DAV Veterans’ Benefits

Military Program Highlight: DAV Veterans’ Benefits

contributed by Melissa Lucas, senior staff writer

Wartime military service, especially if that service includes an injury or illness, is an experience that most civilians will never be able to comprehend. It is possibly for this reason that, despite their efforts and sacrifice, America’s disabled veterans are an often-overlooked population.

Enter: the DAV. Charity Navigator, a website dedicated to objectively evaluating non-profit organizations utilizes many DAV reviews and has rated the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust among the top (four star) charities for years.

Exactly what does the DAV do for Veterans? Here’s a little bit about this 100-year-old organization and what it strives to accomplish.

DAV of America – A Brief History

In 1920, disabled war hero, Judge Robert Marx, wanted to give a voice to those forever changed by the World War. He imagined an organization that would serve and advocate for all combat veterans, as he believed our country was ill-prepared to handle the reality in which these soldiers lived after their wartime service. He wanted to empower veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.

With a membership to the DAV, veterans help each other achieve this goal. Today, the DAV has over 1 million active members and serves veterans in a variety of ways.

DAV Programs

The DAV works to provide benefits to disabled American veterans which will enhance and enrich their lives. Some of their most notable services include:

Career Support

The DAV aims to ensure that veterans have the resources they need to enter the job market. They sponsor hundreds of career fairs across the country each year, and the DAV employment program connects veterans and their families with employers who are actively looking to hire.

Benefit Claims Assistance

Navigating the VA claims process can be tricky, and often leaves veterans overlooked and under compensated. Professional assistance for those seeking benefits earned through their military service is provided by the DAV. Veterans can work with claims specialists, available for everything from help filling out a form to representing them to the VA, if need be.

Representation of Disabled Veteran Interests to Congress

The DAV keeps a close eye on current legislation and fights to make changes where they are needed. In 2019, the DAV argued against delaying the addition of four diseases to the list of agent orange presumptive diseases – which, after Congress agreed, allowed many Vietnam Veterans to finally receive benefits for their service-related health conditions. Another 2019 victory for the DAV: information provided by the organization convinced the government to formally concede that veterans who served near burn pits in the Middle East were exposed to harmful chemicals and toxins. This made it much easier for veterans who served under these conditions to have their disability claims approved.

Transportation Services

Transportation assistance has been an important part of the DAV since its inception. Today, the DAV manages a full fleet of vehicles, primarily donated by manufacturers. These vehicles are driven by volunteers and used to transport disabled or ill DAV veterans to VA medical facilities across the country.

Becoming a DAV Veteran

Becoming a member of the DAV is as easy as filling out an online form.

DAV Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for DAV veteran membership, a servicemember must:

  • Have served in the armed forces during a period of war or under conditions simulating war.
  • Have been wounded, disabled in any way, or left with an illness as a result of service.
  • Not have been dishonorably discharged.

DAV Benefits

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, DAV veterans receive many discounts, bonuses, and complimentary services from DAV partners such as Avis, Ford, and Quicken Loans. Membership also gives veterans access to a variety of important programs and events in all areas of the country.

Additional Resources for DAV Veterans

lauren

Recent Posts

Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) Provides Internship Opportunities to U.S. Students

The VSFS application is open for the 2021-2022 program, and this year students can connect…

3 years ago

Remembering 9/11: Military Inspiration from The Mission Continues

Operation Enduring Service creates the largest collection of 9/11 military service stories in the past…

3 years ago

Forts In the Northeast: A List of Historical Sites Every History Buff Should Visit

10 former military forts top our list of historical sites to visit in the northeastern…

3 years ago

The National Defense Authorization Act Allows Service Members to File Military Medical Malpractice Claims

The NDAA changes the limitations of the Feres Doctrine and allows for the filing of…

3 years ago

Celebrating Independence Day: The History Behind the 4th of July

4th of July background: What exactly do we honor when celebrating Independence Day in America?

3 years ago

Hope for the Warriors

Hope for the Warriors connects service members and families with resources and programs to help…

3 years ago
Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /var/www/html/wp-content/themes/enfold/config-templatebuilder/avia-template-builder/php/base-classes/class-popup-templates-responsive.php:146) in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/accelerated-mobile-pages/includes/vendor/amp/amp.php on line 100