In April, the Department of Veterans Affairs posted a final rule amending its regulations regarding character of discharge determinations, expanding access to VA care and benefits for some former service members discharged under other-than-honorable conditions or by special court martial.
The VA’s new regulation expands access to care and benefits for certain former service members with other-than-honorable and bad-conduct discharges. The VA character of discharge determination does not change the military’s characterization of service and has no effect on the former service member’s military discharge status. The VA’s determination is for VA benefits and services eligibility only.
This opens the door for previously denied service members to reapply for VA benefits and services. If you have been previously denied VA benefits and services because of your discharge status, DAV benefits advocates can help you file for a character of discharge determination. Please contact your nearest DAV service office by visiting benefitsquestions.org.
Find a DAV location
Contact your nearest DAV office. They will help you file a claim and stick with you all through the process, because no veteran should have to go at it alone.
DAV is an organization of veterans helping veterans.
The reasons are as individual as our members. Some join for the fellowship at our more than 1,200 local chapters. Some for the inspiring national events. Others for opportunities to serve their fellow veterans and their families. And many join to continue the fight to support the rights and benefits of all veterans. DAV understands the needs of veterans because we are veterans—1 million strong. We invite you to join our cause.
The countdown is on to the 2026 DAV 5K, presented by USAA! Join us in Cincinnati on Nov. 7 or participate virtually from wherever you are during Veterans Day weekend (Nov. 7-11).
Grab your friends. Rally your team. Lace up your shoes. And get ready to walk, roll, run or ride in support of America's veterans. We'll see you at the finish line! 🏁 dav5k.org. ...
DAV Patriot Boot Camp Director Matt Feldhaus attended the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) this past week in Tampa, Florida!
While there, Matt had the chance to connect with leaders and organizations across the military and veteran community, catch up with some of our friends at Regiment, and hear from an incredible lineup of panelists, including Chef Robert Irvine.
MIC provided a great opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas and learn from others who are making an impact in the military and veteran community. We’re grateful for the connections made and conversations shared! ...
The latest issue of the #DAVMagazine is now available, featuring stories about the people, programs and advocacy efforts making a difference for veterans and their families.
Inside this issue:
• A Purple Heart Vietnam veteran finally receives the benefits he earned • New legislation addressing the Edgewood Arsenal human experiments • How recreation therapy helped a paralyzed veteran restore hope • A message from DAV’s new National Commander • Information on The Dental Care for Veterans Act • The supportive community behind DAV Patriot Boot Camp • Highlights from the 2026 DAV & Auxiliary National Convention • Part 2 of our look at 250 years of the American veteran • The caregivers whose love inspires everything they do
Read the September/October issue of DAV Magazine: dav.la/3qi. ...
Today, DAV celebrates 106 years of serving America's veterans.
Founded on Sept. 25, 1920, in the aftermath of World War I, DAV was created by wounded and disabled veterans who believed no one should have to fight alone after returning home. They came together to advocate for the benefits they had earned, support one another and ensure future generations of veterans would have someone in their corner.
More than a century later, that mission remains as important as ever. Thanks to the dedication of our members, volunteers, supporters and partners, DAV continues to provide a lifetime of support to veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.
As we celebrate 106 years of service and advocacy, we'd love to hear from you. What does DAV mean to you? Let us know in the comments! ...
In April, the Department of Veterans Affairs posted a final rule amending its regulations regarding character of discharge determinations, expanding access to VA care and benefits for some former service members discharged under other-than-honorable conditions or by special court martial.
