What is your personal experience with DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a nonprofit? Is it providing services adequately across the country?

2025-03-05T15:59:21-05:00

Share your thoughts in a professional manner.

What is your personal experience with DAV?

Is it providing all of these services adequately across the country?

DAV Services:

DAV assists over a million veterans annually through their services, including helping them navigate the complex VA claims process to access earned benefits.

DAV actively lobbies on behalf of veterans in Congress to improve legislation related to benefits and healthcare access.

They provide local support networks and transportation services to help veterans access VA medical appointments.

DAV is recognized for its strong commitment to veterans and has a high rating from charity evaluators.

Thank you,

COL (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
CEO,
Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV)

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Mar 5 at 2025 5:25 PM

2025-03-05T17:25:31-05:00

I received a letter from them today. I always like reading about the good work they do.

Response by SSG Benton Miller made Mar 5 at 2025 5:51 PM

2025-03-05T17:51:43-05:00

The DAV helped me fill out my initial claim when I was getting out

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 5 at 2025 6:09 PM

2025-03-05T18:09:55-05:00

A couple of the members of our VFW Post are also members of the DAV and I've seen the work they do, supplementing our County VSO's. Seem like a fine organization to me.

Response by SPC Joseph Kopac made Mar 5 at 2025 6:25 PM

2025-03-05T18:25:59-05:00

Life member. They helped with my Agent Orange claims. Have a 8 AM appointment with VES tommorow. Veteran Evaluation Services. They set this up for me. Had a few cancer surgeries recently. I wish someone would have told me about the travel pay though. I lost claims from August to December. They only go back 30 days. I received 9 travel checks in the mail yesterday. The VA lost my banking info but now it's ok. VA disability compensation and travel pay are separate when it comes to banking info.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Mar 5 at 2025 8:56 PM

2025-03-05T20:56:52-05:00

I don't care much for their thrift store, but I'm sure experience varies from location to location. I think they're a good organization with a good intent behind their existence.

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Mar 5 at 2025 9:05 PM

2025-03-05T21:05:32-05:00

Good evening COL Mikel J. Burroughs. Excellent post. Thank you for sharing this. DAV is an excellent organization. I've been donating to them since 2023. They also assist with V.A. claims as well.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Mar 6 at 2025 7:07 AM

2025-03-06T07:07:48-05:00

Not much to share except I filed a claim with the va the DAV helped me file got rejected for my claim because nobody from the DAV ever showed up to fight for me,FYI lifetime member only have received three magazines in five years I pretty much have given up on the DAV. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

Response by Sgt Jim Belanus made Mar 6 at 2025 2:05 PM

2025-03-06T14:05:31-05:00

At 73 I just got on the sys. So far i am pleased with the service. I've been using a rural clinic as the hosp. is 180 miles from me. So far I have no complaints and seem to be treated as family.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2025 2:35 PM

2025-03-06T14:35:19-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs I am a life member of the VFW and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). I have had VSOs from both organizations help me with my VA claims. I donate money to both of these organizations along with DAV. I know that the DAV provides great assistance to veterans, so I also support them with donations.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Mar 7 at 2025 6:44 AM

2025-03-07T06:44:44-05:00

I’d be more than happy to share my thoughts, I filed a claim the DAV helped me with the application however no one ever showed up to support my claim from the DAV signed all the paperwork over the internet the DAV sent it to the va, it was denied, FYI I have a heart disease because of agent orange it can’t be fixed. So anyway I just gave up.

Response by SMSgt Keith Stephens made Mar 10 at 2025 8:41 AM

2025-03-10T08:41:35-04:00

Proud life member of DAV, DAV helped me probably more than I will ever know. If you want a solid organization to belong to DAV is my choice and might be right for you as well. Check it out, you never know.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Mar 11 at 2025 8:25 PM

2025-03-11T20:25:46-04:00

I haven't used the services. I am a supporter.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2025 7:23 AM

2025-03-12T07:23:21-04:00

I'm a DAV member and supporter.

Response by PO2 Michael Beaumont made Mar 12 at 2025 8:39 PM

2025-03-12T20:39:57-04:00

I would recommend them in a heart beat, they were extremely helpful with my claim for Kidney cancer.
Naval air crash crew, exposed to PFOA, PFOS, the cause of many different types of cancer.
My local Seattle DAV, helped with paperwork proofing claim forms, offering new approaches when the rejection letters arrived. They were very responsive to phone calls and emails.
With the help and encouragement, the loss of both kidneys, we did finally receive my 100% rating.
I joined as a member, in my opinion they deserve all the support possible.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Mar 17 at 2025 4:14 PM

2025-03-17T16:14:41-04:00

I have not had any personal experience with DAV even though there are a few chapters close to my location. I never really considered them as I'm not designated as "disabled". Maybe that was short sighted on my part. I should look into them more as there may be benefits/assistance they can provide I'm not currently receiving.

Thanks for all you do COL Mikel J. Burroughs in trying to get information out so Veterans can be as informed as possible.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Mar 20 at 2025 6:56 AM

2025-03-20T06:56:00-04:00

NO NOT IN FLORIDA

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Mar 22 at 2025 6:51 AM

2025-03-22T06:51:14-04:00

I support the DAV and am a lifetime member however I never get a magazine from them tried to ask for help that didn’t go anywhere but I sure there are a lot of people that need help more than me, so I just stopped asking and go it alone, it does seem to work.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Mar 25 at 2025 9:12 AM

2025-03-25T09:12:06-04:00

Funny how my post on this subject gets deleted.

Response by Cristina Johnson made Apr 2 at 2025 2:17 AM

2025-04-02T02:17:01-04:00

I’m really impressed with the work DAV does for veterans. They’re dedicated and fight hard for better benefits. Their information is extensive—they’re a great source for vets who need support.

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Apr 8 at 2025 6:56 AM

2025-04-08T06:56:35-04:00

They ok I guess

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Apr 10 at 2025 3:25 PM

2025-04-10T15:25:07-04:00

Not to good called ask for help was told we don’t do trivial things then I told the lady i am having a problem getting into the dentist at the VA told the lady I’m 100% combat veteran she then hung up on me. I’ll never ask the DAV for help again.

Response by PO1 Richard Cormier made May 5 at 2025 6:06 PM

2025-05-05T18:06:16-04:00

DAV supported me as a VSO with the VA. After joining, found it to be like NRA (constantly asking for money).
They do good work for our veterans, I just don't have the funding for constant requests.

Response by SPC William Richardson made May 18 at 2025 2:53 PM

2025-05-18T14:53:07-04:00

I have no personal experience with DAV.

Response by SPC Daniel Rankin made May 19 at 2025 9:27 PM

2025-05-19T21:27:39-04:00

As a disabled veteran the DAV was able to help me get my 100 percent ratings in the va and not just for the medical use but also for the financial also. I would recommend them to anyone for help.

Response by AN Ron Wright made May 20 at 2025 12:07 PM

2025-05-20T12:07:50-04:00

Had OR state meeting last weekend of which I attended. They (we) do great work
Unfortunately everything resolves around Portland and us in the rural areas still don’t count as much

Response by TSgt Mike Ruble made May 22 at 2025 11:05 AM

2025-05-22T11:05:48-04:00

I was told by one individual that when you a 100 percent disabled you no longer need to file for other claims because the VA will take care of all of health issues. It is only true if your in the US or US territories. If you are overseas, you the VA Foriegn Medical Program, which covers only service connected issues or related to the service connection. It is in VA.Gov, so before you give information out, need to make sure it is correct, because overseas can be expensive if the VA only reimburse for service connection.

I also feel the veterans are being neglected by VBA Claims, because go through my C-file on the denial, they couldn’t find a service connection. IAW 38 CFR. 3.309(a) this addresses presumptive and other diseases using: Service Treatment Records, Manifestation Period, and the PACT Act. Emphasizes the importance of establishing service connected conditions through evidence like the Service Treatment Records. Do not understand why they denied my claim when the information was in the Service Record and the Blood Pressure Readings were in there for the rating, which was in both Active Duty and Reserve medical and dental records.

Response by TSgt Mike Ruble made May 22 at 2025 11:23 AM

2025-05-22T11:23:57-04:00

I don’t think the VA updates the organization properly. I was I didn’t need to file for claims after my 100% service connected that I was covered by the VA for every medical issue. That is only true in the US and US territories, under the VA Foreign Medical Program, you get reimbursed for the approved service connection if you are enrolled. So if you travel or going overseas, you would need to think about this.
Also I am not sure why the VBA does not follow 38 CFR 3.309 because it emphasizes the importance of establishing service connection conditions through evidence like the military medical and dental records. I had denials on hypertension that they couldn’t identify a service connection or wasn’t in my records, but my C-file says differently.

Other than that, DAV is doing a great service.

Response by SSG Wilbert Michael Penn made May 22 at 2025 11:26 AM

2025-05-22T11:26:18-04:00

For my first year I filed for a disability, after the initial letter I got from them that I filled out to have them represent me- I didn't hear anything more- I switched to a for profit company.

Response by LTC Stephen B. made May 25 at 2025 9:06 AM

2025-05-25T09:06:09-04:00

Never joined, I received all services I needed through the VFW. While I have a rating with the VA, I don't consider it serious enough to tie up DAV (or VA) resources that others have a greater need for. The only thing I go to the VA is for servicing of the titanium hip I received 2 years before retiring the uniform.

Response by SrA Cecelia Eareckson made May 30 at 2025 7:17 PM

2025-05-30T19:17:23-04:00

Still refusing to rep this woman veteran. Multiple contact across three states, over two decades. VSO's should just stick with what they know best: operating taverns and thrift shops.

Response by 1SG Marcus Whitfield made Jun 12 at 2025 6:04 PM

2025-06-12T18:04:45-04:00

I never used them , I might here real soon have an appointment with a VA service officer so we will see

Response by PV2 Anthony Lawson made Jun 15 at 2025 6:36 PM

2025-06-15T18:36:12-04:00

I am a lifetime member. I used them when I was first medically discharged, and they were great at that time. That was in 1989. Last year i contacted them about a problem that I was having, and they seem to have adopted a defeatist attitude and did not want to help or appear interested. That turn me to the state of Veterans Affairs to handle my business. All I got from my contacting the DAV was increased emails asking for money.

Response by SPC Craig Hara made Jun 15 at 2025 8:50 PM

2025-06-15T20:50:25-04:00

I have used them and I am a lifetime member
They are definitely a positive or the veteran community

Response by SGT Lorenzo Nieto made Jun 16 at 2025 6:50 AM

2025-06-16T06:50:53-04:00

I tried using their services not much luck just gave up on them.

Response by SSG Ronald Robinson made Jun 16 at 2025 9:07 AM

2025-06-16T09:07:31-04:00

I reached out to them for help filing with the VA. All they wanted me to do was join the organization . They did offer to take me to the VA to get started and said they would help with the paperwork. When I call the POC they had giving me, no answer. I tried them for 2 weeks with no luck. Ended up going a different route. I have not called them back. .

Response by SFC Kandi Temple made Jun 18 at 2025 3:20 PM

2025-06-18T15:20:23-04:00

They helped get me 100%. I hate the website, though. You can't pay your dues there, even though it says you can, and you have to search for the member login.

Response by SPC George Edwards made Jun 18 at 2025 8:46 PM

2025-06-18T20:46:37-04:00

I haven't really checked on them to verify if they are indeed helping vets. I trust that they are and always send a donation when I get mail from them.

Response by LTC Matthew Schlosser made Jun 26 at 2025 6:37 PM

2025-06-26T18:37:48-04:00

I just emailed them my 21-22 and a 21-0966. I'm having them handle my burn pit claim, which is really straightforward, but what I'm really hoping they can help with is getting something where a diagnosis is still pending deemed secondary to the burn pit thing.

Response by SFC Michael McCauley made Jun 27 at 2025 7:50 PM

2025-06-27T19:50:39-04:00

Other than their yearly (bi-yearly?) donation drive letters, I don't have much to do with them.
I have donated a time or two over the years as funds were available, but that's all.

Response by SPC Joshua Blotzer made Jul 19 at 2025 9:44 PM

2025-07-19T21:44:50-04:00

oof. I've seen a few local chapters that are alright. I've seen some chapters that are about to go defunct. And I've seen Department (State) Leadership that is utterly useless and unwilling/uninterested in addressing problems.

The "quality" of what they do varies wildly.

Response by SSG Scott Will made Jul 20 at 2025 11:16 PM

2025-07-20T23:16:01-04:00

Nothing but great work from them.

Response by SPC Anthony Patti made Jul 21 at 2025 7:36 PM

2025-07-21T19:36:30-04:00

Ghost entity. I thought they were only cerimonial. I had to do a 3rd claim and three appeals to win with zero assistance. I saw they were Cc'd on everything. Seriousaly, do they actually help anyone?

Response by SrA Bruce Banner made Aug 4 at 2025 8:34 PM

2025-08-04T20:34:07-04:00

I’m going to keep this short but sweet. I had 30% January 2013. By August 2016 I was 100% and as of December 2020 I am 100% P&T. They are the best VSO in regards to disability. It’s in the name. Plus the founder was. WW1 vet and he made it to help out his fellow disable veteran. Get with them for disability benefits. They’re basically MAFIA lawyers for disabled veterans and they have connections at the VA. Blessings to us all in our disability journey.

Response by SrA Bruce Banner made Aug 4 at 2025 8:35 PM

2025-08-04T20:35:11-04:00

Thank you sir for this outstanding question and an opportunity for a life member like me to share my experience!

Response by Carrie Nowocin made Aug 4 at 2025 8:50 PM

2025-08-04T20:50:42-04:00

My organization recently did an event with the Glendale Post 20 DAV in AZ. They've already helped 2 Veterans in my program avoid an eviction. I'm not a fan of the other Posts, but POST 20...brilliant :)

Response by SFC Kandi Temple made Oct 22 at 2025 10:06 PM

2025-10-22T22:06:41-04:00

They helped me get 100% when American Legion dropped the ball.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Oct 23 at 2025 6:04 PM

2025-10-23T18:04:03-04:00

The DAV does fantastic work; however, it can only stretch so far. Yes, DVs fall through the cracks, but it isn't because the DAV isn't trying. Two things stop or reduce their assistance--volunteers and financial support. Make a donation. But most if all volunteer.