Is Disabled American Veterans (DAV) a Legitimate Organization?
Contents
The Short Answer:
Yes, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a legitimate non-profit organization that has been helping disabled veterans and their families since 1920. With a strong commitment to advocating for the needs and interests of disabled American veterans, the DAV is recognized as one of the largest and most well-established veteran service organizations in the United States.
Background
The DAV was founded on September 24, 1920, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The organization was formed by a group of 29 veterans of World War I who had become disabled during their military service. The DAV’s primary mission was to support and advocate for these veterans, who were facing numerous challenges in their lives due to their disabilities. Today, the DAV continues to serve disabled veterans, including those from the post-World War I era, as well as those from subsequent conflicts.
Services Provided
The DAV offers a wide range of services to disabled veterans and their families, including:
- Claims assistance: The DAV’s accredited service officers help disabled veterans file claims for service-connected benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- Healthcare transportation: The DAV offers rides to medical appointments and social events for disabled veterans, providing them with easy access to healthcare services and community support.
- Rehabilitation programs: The DAV provides disabled veterans with access to job training, education, and other rehabilitation programs to help them return to the workforce and improve their overall quality of life.
- Adjustment services: The DAV offers counseling and therapy services to help disabled veterans and their families cope with the challenges of living with a disability.
Achievements and Recognition
Throughout its nearly 100-year history, the DAV has made significant contributions to the lives of disabled veterans. Some of the organization’s notable achievements include:
- Advocating for passage of the Montgomery GI Bill in 1984, which provides educational benefits to eligible veterans.
- Pressuring the VA to adopt more aggressive claims processing initiatives, resulting in faster claim adjudication times and reduced appeals backlogs.
- Partnering with other veteran service organizations and advocacy groups to promote passage of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act in 2017, which streamlines the VA appeals process for disabled veterans.
Certifications and Affiliations
The DAV has earned numerous certifications and affiliations, including:
- Charity Watchlist Certification: The DAV is certified by the American Institute of Philanthropy (AIP), indicating that the organization adheres to high standards of governance, transparency, and financial management.
- Council on Accreditation of Service Member Organizations (COASPO) Accreditation: The DAV has received accreditation from COASPO, a leading standards organization for service member and veterans organizations.
- Membership in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) **: The DAV participates in the CFC, a workplace charitable giving campaign that allows federal employees to donate to certified nonprofit organizations.
Ratings and Reviews
Online rating platforms and review sites often reflect the DAV’s positive reputation and service commitment. Some notable examples include:
- Rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 1,000+ reviewers on GuideStar**.
- Rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 500+ reviewers on Charity Navigator**.
- 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 200 reviewers on Yelp.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a legitimate organization that has earned its reputation as a reliable and dedicated advocate for the interests and needs of disabled American veterans. With its comprehensive range of services, significant achievements, and robust certifications and affiliations, the DAV is well-positioned to continue supporting and serving disabled veterans for years to come.
Summary of Key Points
Legitimate Organization | Services Provided | Achievements | Certifications and Affiliations | Ratings and Reviews | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
DAVERG | Yes | Claims Assistance, Healthcare Transportation, Rehabilitation Programs, Adjustment Services | Advocated for the Montgomery GI Bill and the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act | Certified by AIP, COASPO Accredited, Membership in the CFC | 4.7 out of 5 stars (GuideStar), 4.6 out of 5 stars (Charity Navigator), 4.5 out of 5 stars (Yelp) |