Disability claims amount to over $23 billion in fiscal 2025.
Accredited American Legion service officers secured a record $23,289,379,651 in disability benefits for veterans in fiscal 2024-25, according to newly released data. American Legion service officers do not charge veterans for their representation in the VA claims process.
The 2025 total brings the amount of disability benefits achieved for veterans using accredited American Legion service officers to $108.7 billion since 2020.
Final 2024-25 fiscal-year figures were delayed due to the government shutdown. So far in the new fiscal year, the Legion’s network of more than 3,000 accredited service officers has not slowed down in the new fiscal year, having helped disabled veterans and qualified dependents receive more than $2 billion in October alone.
The awards include disability compensation, pensions (to include death/survivor pensions), dependency and indemnity compensation and spina bifida benefits. They do not include education and veteran-readiness benefit programs.
Training for American Legion service officers is made possible through donations to The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation.
In addition to initial claims assistance, The American Legion provides free representation for veterans who appeal VA decisions. Through Nov. 30, 2025, the Legion’s appeals teams in Washington D.C. and Indianapolis handled 11,615 cases for the year and secured $48.4 million in retroactive benefits for veterans and surviving spouses whose appeals were successful.
- Veterans Benefits