National Service Officer Robert Peterson

An Army veteran and professional benefits advocate is attending the National Disabled Veterans TEE Tournament, helping participants access the benefits they earned in uniform.

Robert Peterson is a national service officer based out of the Des Moines, Iowa VA Regional Office and will be at the event Sept. 10 to 12. From 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, and 8 am to noon on Wednesday, he will be available to answer veterans’ questions about disability claims and other earned benefits.

“DAV has long offered claims assistance at the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, another adaptive sporting event co-hosted with VA,” explained DAV National Voluntary Services Director John Kleindienst. “DAV just came onboard as the co-host for the TEE Tournament last year, and bringing our renowned claims service was an important addition to this year’s silver anniversary event.”

DAV represented more than 250,000 claims for benefits in 2017 alone, helping veterans receive more than $4.3 billion in retroactive and annual benefits. Peterson, who leads DAV’s efforts in Iowa, has supported veterans as a claims specialist for over 20 years. Peterson served in the Army from 1987 to 1997, and joined DAV following his honorable discharge.

“I know how important it is to know there is someone who cares about them and is always willing to help,” said Peterson of his work.

Like all DAV national service officers, Peterson is a disabled veteran and has navigated the claims process himself.

“I enjoy helping others, especially when I know what they are going through from past experiences of my own,” said Peterson.

Short on time? You can still get complimentary assistance with your claim when you return home from Iowa. Find your nearest national service office at www.dav.org/veterans/find-your-local-office.