DAV is extremely troubled to learn about the Department of Veterans Affairs’ inspector general report which found thousands of military sexual trauma claims were mishandled by VA. DAV has long been committed to equitable services and care for women veterans, and though MST impacts both genders, women are disproportionately affected by this issue as one in four female veterans suffer sexual trauma while serving in the military. In 2014, DAV lauded the decision to have previously denied benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder related to MST reconsidered and encouraged all veterans we represent to know their right to file for reconsideration. DAV recognizes not all injuries are visible, yet they all require coordinated care, resources and services. Our service officers are standing by nationwide to assist any veteran who believes his or her MST claim may have been mishandled. MST can have devastating consequences on an individual’s ability to care for themselves and their families. With our utmost dedication, DAV will continue to fight to ensure justice for those suffering from MST.
Sexual trauma claims by veterans wrongly denied by VA, investigation finds
DAV is an organization of veterans helping veterans.
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The Silver Star is the third highest combat decoration for valor. Every year on May 1, the U.S. honors and recognizes the service members who have been awarded the medal. DAV would like to give a special shout out to all of the brave men and women who have earned this award while protecting our freedoms. #SilverStarServiceBannerDay
When her eating disorder escalated during her 15 years in the Ohio Air National Guard, Amber Miskovich had to seek help through a 12-step program. Later, she turned to Save A Warrior - "SAW", a nonprofit organization that provides retreats and leverages the best interdisciplinary approaches to prevent suicide among veterans and first responders. The Veterans Health Administration estimates that as many as 14% of female and 4% of male patients have eating disorders, numbers Miskovich believes are vastly underreported due to the shame around it. Eating disorders are also linked to an increased risk for suicide.In February 2024, DAV published “Women Veterans: The Journey to Mental Wellness.” This report is a comprehensive assessment of the unique factors contributing to the staggering rates of suicide among women veterans and how the system charged with their mental health care can and must do better. Read Amber’s full story and learn more about the report and DAV’s findings at
Save the date! Registration for the 102nd DAV & Auxiliary National Convention, in Phoenix, Arizona, is expected to open on Monday, May 6. We hope you can join us for an exciting week filled with seminars, entertainment, camaraderie, and education on August 3-6, 2024. Registration, hotel info and other useful links are available at dav.org/events/2024-national-convention/.
Do you want to save BIG on taxes? If so, consider funding your next donation to DAV with stock. By making a stock donation you avoid paying capital gain taxes and get a full income tax-deduction for the value or your gift. Plus, every dollar you give will equal $179 in benefits for America’s veterans! Learn more at the link below.