Comrades,
On October 6, I participated in a town hall at VFW Post 318 in Olympia with Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. Paul Lawrence. The discussion addressed issues affecting veterans and their families throughout Washington, including benefits, health care, community care, mental health, and access to services.
Participants included VFW State Commander Frank Persa Jr., State Vice Commander Jason Paxton, Auxiliary State President Tracie Thomsen, Post 318 Commander Crystal Beeler, and me, serving as your VFW National Council of Administration member.
Key Information Shared at the Meeting
A Veteran-Centered VA
VA leadership emphasized that decisions must begin with veterans’ needs. Town halls, surveys, and direct conversations help identify where services are working and where improvements are needed.
Benefits and Claims Assistance
VA representatives reported the following changes:
- Average disability claim processing times decreased from approximately 140 days to just over 70 days.
- Annual claims processed increased from approximately 2.5 million two years ago to 3.2 million in the latest fiscal year.
- The backlog of claims pending more than 125 days decreased from approximately 200,000 to 75,000.
VA leadership also indicated that disability forms are being simplified from 18 pages to approximately five pages by December 2026.
Veterans were strongly encouraged to work with trained, accredited Service Officers. During the discussion, it was stated that approximately 75–80% of claim denials involved veterans who did not have this assistance.
Health Care and Community Care
VA representatives reported that 43 new clinics have opened since the current administration began. Participants raised concerns about community care delays, including some referrals reportedly taking as long as 90 days.
Extended clinic hours are being offered in some locations to accommodate working veterans. Veterans were also encouraged to apply for pre-need eligibility for VA cemetery benefits before those services are needed.
Technology and Respectful Service
Participants discussed difficulties older veterans experience with online VA systems, particularly multifactor authentication and login requirements. VA leadership indicated that efforts are underway to simplify access.
Concerns were also raised about veterans’ treatment, particularly the experiences of female veterans. Everyone assisting veterans should provide professional, compassionate, and knowledgeable support.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
The nationwide shortage of mental health professionals continues to affect access to care in some areas.
The discussion highlighted the COMPACT Act, which provides eligible veterans experiencing an acute suicidal crisis access to emergency treatment, including at qualifying non-VA facilities.
Participants emphasized the importance of connecting veterans with VA services. During the meeting, it was reported that approximately 70% of veteran self-harm cases involved veterans who were not connected with VA care.
Access for Rural Veterans
Participants raised significant concerns about travel distances and limited services in rural communities. Veterans in areas such as Okanogan County may travel several hours for certain services. VA leadership committed to examining these regional access concerns further.
Integrative Health and Referrals
Veterans described delays in renewing annual referrals for chiropractic care and massage therapy, sometimes interrupting treatment. Participants also discussed expanded access to complementary and integrative health programs, including massage and tai chi, with availability varying by location.
Figures and planned changes above reflect information reported during the town hall.
What Our Members Should Know
Veterans should not have to navigate the system alone.
Work with a VFW Accredited Service Officer. Help another veteran connect with VA services. Check on members of your Post and community who may not know what benefits or health care they could receive.
VA representatives reported that approximately 250,000 veterans have newly connected with VA since January 2026. We must continue reaching those who have not yet made that connection.
For VA benefits and claims information, call 800-827-1000. Veterans should also familiarize themselves with VA urgent and emergency care requirements and keep relevant care information readily available.
The meeting reinforced the importance of cooperation among the VFW, Auxiliary, DAV, other Veterans Service Organizations, VA, and our local communities. We may wear different organizational hats, but we share the same mission: serving veterans.
Please share this announcement with your Posts, Districts, Service Officers, Auxiliary members, and veterans throughout your communities. Information makes a difference when it reaches the veterans who need it.
In Comradeship and Service,
Paul M. Herrera
VFW National Council of Administration
VFW National Legislative Committee
FOLLOW US