WASHINGTON – The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is proud to announce that Wounded Warrior Project® has renewed a service officer grant in the amount of $410,000 that will continue to help more transitioning military to receive their earned disability compensation benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. WWP has now provided grants totaling more than $2.2 million to support VFW’s Pre-Discharge Claims Program, an effort that last year enabled the VFW to file thousands of claims on behalf of transitioning military servicemen and women on two dozen of America’s largest military installations. Collectively, VFW’s nationwide cadre of 2,100 VA-accredited service officers helped more than 525,000 veterans to secure $8.3 billion in earned disability benefits in fiscal year 2018. Membership in the VFW is not required to receive its free, professional claims assistance.
“The transition from the military to civilian life can be challenging, but thankfully the Veterans of Foreign Wars has been there to help our nation’s veterans since 1899,” said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. Mike Linnington, U.S. Army retired. “Wounded Warrior Project is proud to partner with the VFW. Their benefits counselors augment our own efforts to help service members navigate the VA’s claims process and access the healthcare benefits they have earned through their service. In 2018, our grant helped VFW service officers in their efforts to file 14,904 claims and secure more than $155 million in benefits for veterans.”
“Connecting veterans with their benefits has been a cornerstone of the VFW’s mission for more than a century, and our work with Wounded Warrior Project allows us to build on this legacy of service to others,” said VFW National Commander William J. “Doc” Schmitz, of Corning, N.Y. “Through the sustained generosity and support of WWP, our professional advocates are able to help more transitioning service members than ever before, helping to ensure that those who wear the uniform today are connected with the benefits they’ve earned to help foster their post-military success.”
If you are within 180 days of discharge from the military, you can contact a VFW Pre-Discharge representative for more information and to get the VA claims process underway.
-VFW-
ABOUT WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT: Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers – helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.