VFW Press Releases

1. VFW Applauds Federal Court Decision Striking Down Louisiana 'PLUS Act'

   WASHINGTON -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) applauds the federal court's decision striking down Louisiana's so-called "PLUS Act" as unconstitutional. This ruling sends a clear message: States cannot rewrite federal law to accommodate companies that rip off veterans - and any state considering similar legislation should take notice.

   For years, the VFW has warned that laws like the PLUS Act undermine Congress' carefully balanced system for veterans' benefits and open the door to abuse and even fraud by unaccredited, fee-charging operators. The court's decision confirms that those warnings were justified.

   Let's be honest - this law was never about protecting veterans. It was about protecting businesses that charge veterans unjustifiable fees for services that should be free. We saw through that and so did the court. The Louisiana law sidelined legitimate, accredited representatives to prop up an unregulated industry that scams veterans and the court shut it down.

   The VA claims system is governed by federal law for a reason: to ensure uniform standards, qualified representation and real accountability - especially for agents and attorneys who can already charge for certain claims in the marketplace. When states attempt to create their own fee structures and regulatory schemes, they weaken those protections and confuse veterans.

   This decision should serve as a warning to every state considering similar bills. If you try to override federal law and legitimize unaccredited operators, you will lose - and veterans will pay the price in the meantime.

   Veterans should never have to wonder whether someone helping them is legitimate or just looking for a payday. If you're OK with putting veterans into debt, you're not serving them, you're exploiting them.

   The VFW has consistently led the fight against "Claim Sharks," even when it meant facing lawsuits, political pressure and well-funded opposition. When others hesitated, we didn't. We stood up because veterans deserve better. And we will keep standing up, no matter how uncomfortable it makes people who profit off this system.

   This ruling preserves the integrity of the VA accreditation system and protects veterans from being steered toward unqualified, unregulated actors. It also reinforces a simple truth: accredited veterans service organizations like the VFW provide claims assistance free of charge - just as Congress intended.

   This is a win for veterans across the country. It's a win for transparency, accountability and fairness. And it's a reminder that veterans' benefits should never be treated as a get-rich-quick scheme.

   The VFW urges lawmakers nationwide to learn from this decision and focus on strengthening accredited assistance rather than creating unconstitutional workarounds that benefit bad actors. We will continue working with lawmakers and regulators to ensure veterans are protected, informed, and never pressured to pay for benefits they have earned through their service.

2. DAV and VFW Unveil Funding Recommendations for Department of Veterans Affairs

   WASHINGTON -DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) have released their co-authored fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget recommendations for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Veterans Independent Budget (VIB) includes funding recommendations for the VA enterprise from health care to information technology to veterans' benefits and beyond.

   "The Veterans Independent Budget is an indispensable report that Congress and decision-makers in Washington reference every year to help guide decisions on VA programs and services," said VFW Washington Office Executive Director Ryan Gallucci. "Since 2007, when my time in veterans' advocacy began, I have seen this product consistently evolve and nearly always hit the mark in identifying trends, opportunities, and shortcomings in VA programming."

   In their newest VIB report, DAV and the VFW propose itemized recommendations based on documented and justified needs as well as projected usage of VA benefits and services, inflation, a one percent federal pay raise, policy changes and program expansions resulting in a needs-based budget that truly serves veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.

   "Our nation has a solemn duty to honor its commitment to America's veterans by ensuring timely access to the high-quality health care and benefits they have earned and deserve," said DAV Washington Headquarters Executive Director Jim Marszalek. "We call on VA and Congress to fully fund all veterans benefits and services, particularly critical unmet needs, such as long-term care, dental care, breakthrough drugs and therapies, and urgent and emergency care services."

   The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) anticipates providing about 162 million outpatient visits to veterans in FY 2027, a record number that does not capture actual and suppressed demand for care. To fully meet veterans' projected health care needs, the VIB calls for approximately $191.5 billion in total resources for the VHA, representing an increase of about $22.1 billion, or 13%, over FY 2026. This proposal reflects heightened workloads on VHA staff and resources from more unique veteran users who increasingly seek and rely on VA for their care. Moreover, the increase captures investments in VHA capacity in areas including long-term care, dental services, urgent and emergency care, and direct care in lieu of community care.

   As the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) works toward responsible, AI-enabled efficiencies, DAV and the VFW recommend maintaining the enhanced capacity that was implemented between 2023 and 2024 while appropriating additional funding to meet the demands of increasing claims for all VA benefits, the federal pay raise, rising inflation and new policy demands, such as enhanced collaboration between the VA and Department of Defense on military transition and the recent Rudisill v. McDonough Supreme Court ruling that expanded education benefits. As such, DAV and the VFW recommend a total VBA budget allocation of roughly $6.2 billion in total resources, which represents an increase of approximately $940 million, or 18%, over the FY 2026 enacted budget.

   VA maintains a vast and aging infrastructure, more than 6,250 buildings, most supporting health care, and its 10-year capital needs have surged from $40 billion in FY 2016 to over $170 billion in FY 2026, far outpacing annual funding and threatening long-term system viability. To begin closing this gap, the VIB urges serious, sustained investment and recommends $3.6 billion for Major Construction and $5.1 billion for Minor Construction in FY 2027 to modernize facilities, expand care capacity and address critical deficiencies. The VIB also calls for at least $600 million to reduce the backlog in State Veterans Home construction grants and $75 million for State Cemetery Construction to preserve burial access nationwide.

   "Unfortunately, the Department of Veterans Affairs does not currently have the internal capacity to meet the rising demand for VA health care due to a decades-long failure to adequately fund infrastructure, technology and staffing," said Marszalek. "The Veterans Independent Budget offers thoughtful recommendations to guarantee that the VA receives the full funding it requires to prevent future budget shortfalls, which would jeopardize veterans' care and place a financial strain on the benefits many depend on to make ends meet."

   Throughout the year, DAV and VFW legislative staff work collectively to advance shared priorities, such as the VIB, while also pursuing independent legislative and policy efforts on behalf of their members and the broader veteran community. The two VSOs will present the VIB to both House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees staff during scheduled briefings in the month of February.

   "We look forward to sharing our insights with VA leaders and Capitol Hill to ensure VA has the resources it needs to serve an ever-changing veteran population," said Gallucci.

   -dav & vfw-

   About DAV:DAV is dedicated to ensuring our promise is kept to America's veterans. DAV does this by helping veterans and their families access the full range of benefits available to them, fighting for the interests of America's injured heroes on Capitol Hill, providing employment resources to veterans and their families, offering programs and services to empower them, and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. A nonprofit organization with nearly 1 million members, DAV was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. Learn more at dav.org.

3. VFW Honors National Black History Month

   KANSAS CITY, Mo., -The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to join the nation in honoring the profound contributions, resiliency and patriotism of Black American service members, veterans and their families during the month of February, National Black History Month.

   While initially observed as a weeklong commemoration, it was President Gerald Ford who, in 1976, issued the first official observance and the establishment of Black History Month.

   Dating back to the birth of our nation, Black Americans have served in every conflict, often defending freedoms that they were not fully afforded at home. From the courageous Buffalo Soldiers and the pioneering Tuskegee Airmen to the men and women currently serving today, their fight for democracy has helped fundamentally shape the strength of the U.S. Armed Forces.

   This February, we encourage all citizens to move beyond simple observation by learning the stories of heroes like Doris Miller, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and the countless unsung Black service members who have stood the watch. The more than 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary salute the indelible legacy of Black Americans in uniform, and we honor their bravery and continued service which helps to secure our way of life.

4. Remembering the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

   KANSAS CITY, Mo. -On Monday, Jan. 19, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and its Auxiliary join the nation in honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership, courage, and commitment to peaceful progress helped shape a stronger and more inclusive America.

   Born on Jan. 15, 1929, King was a minister and civic leader who called on Americans to rise above division and work together to build a more just and peaceful society. His efforts to expand opportunity and strengthen the nation's shared values left a lasting mark on American history. Since becoming a federal holiday in 1983, the observance of King's birthday has also become a national day of service - a reminder that progress is achieved not only through words, but through action.

   On behalf of the more than 1.3 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary, we honor the Rev. King by continuing to work for positive change in our communities - through volunteerism, civic engagement, and a shared dedication to making our nation stronger for generations to come.

5. VFW Action Alert: Tell Congress to Act on the Major Richard Star Act

   Some combat-injured service members were forced to leave the military early because of serious injuries. Even though they served honorably, they do not receive the full military retirement they earned.

   Under current law, their military retirement pay is reduced because they also receive VA disability benefits. This means veterans injured in combat lose part of the retirement they earned through years of service simply because they were hurt while serving our country.

   The Major Richard Star Act would fix this unfair treatment. But right now, the bill cannot move forward unless Congress takes the next step.

   At this stage, only the Armed Services Committees can act. These committees decide whether this bill gets a hearing, and without a hearing a bill can stall even when it has strong support.

   Although this legislation advanced in the last Congress, it never received a public hearing where veterans and experts could testify and members could ask questions on the record. As a result, concerns about the bill have continued to be discussed privately instead of publicly examined.

   When you take action today, your message will be sent to your own member of Congress and matched to their role, whether they already support the bill, need to be asked to support it, or serve on the committee that can help secure a hearing.

   This is how voices are heard in Congress. By speaking up now, you are helping push this bill toward real consideration and helping ensure combat-injured veterans are treated fairly.