Talking Points -

TALKING POINTS

For more than 125 years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has been the voice of America's combat veterans in Washington, D.C. Through nonpartisan advocacy, the VFW works with Congress and federal agencies to improve healthcare, benefits, education, compensation, and quality of life for veterans, service members, and their families. Our mission is simple: ensure that every veteran receives the care, recognition, and support they have earned through their service to our nation.

Major Recent Legislative Victories

The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act (2022)

Perhaps the most significant veterans' legislation in a generation, the PACT Act expanded health care and disability benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The VFW was one of its strongest national advocates.

Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (2025)

The VFW celebrated this as a major victory because it:

Expanded caregiver support
Improved access to community care
Enhanced GI Bill benefits
Increased in-home care options
Expanded homeless veteran assistance
Included suicide prevention initiatives championed by the VFW

Current Legislative Priorities

These are issues the VFW continues to actively advocate for.

Major Richard Star Act

One of the VFW's highest priorities.

Currently, some medically retired combat-disabled veterans have their military retirement pay reduced because they receive VA disability compensation.

The Major Richard Star Act would allow these veterans to receive both benefits without the offset, often called "concurrent receipt." The VFW has made passage of this bill one of its top legislative goals.

Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act

The VFW is advocating for National Guard and Reserve service to count more equitably toward Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Many Guard and Reserve members have deployed repeatedly but still do not receive education benefits comparable to active-duty counterparts.

Transition Assistance Improvements

The VFW supports legislation that would:

Improve transition assistance for separating service members.
Increase access to accredited Veterans Service Officers before discharge.
Improve employment and housing outcomes during the first year after military service.

Protecting Veterans from "Claim Sharks"

The VFW is working to strengthen protections against unaccredited companies that charge veterans large fees to help file VA disability claims.

The organization supports requiring anyone who charges for claims assistance to meet accreditation standards so veterans can receive trustworthy guidance.