Our Mission

Since its founding more than 90 years ago, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has been dedicated to a single purpose: building better lives for America's disabled veterans and their families. Fidelity to that mission has required DAV to respond creatively and flexibly to changing and sometimes unpredictable challenges faced by its constituency. Whether disabled veterans have needed a voice on Capitol Hill, a nationwide service program, a transportation network or unique rehabilitation opportunities, DAV has focused its attention and resources to meet those needs.

Services to Veterans and Their Families

Founded in 1920, the DAV is totally funded by dues and contributions, receiving no federal funding.  With National Headquarters in Cincinnati and Legislative Headquarters in Washington D.C. and the Department of California Headquarters in Santa Fe Springs, the DAV focuses strictly on serving veterans and their families. A nonpolitical organization, it has no political action committees (PACS) and endorses no political candidates.  To help you and your family get all the benefits you've earned, the DAV maintains a corps of approximately 270 National Service Officers (NSOs) in 72 offices across the United States and in Puerto Rico.  There's never any charge for the assistance these veterans benefits experts provide you and your family.  DAV Service Officers are all service-connected disabled veterans themselves, so they understand where you are coming from. They are all accredited through the Department of Veterans Affairs.  DAV Service Officers offer counseling on VA compensation, health care, pension, employment rights, education and more.  They help you assemble evidence to support benefit claims, building cases on your behalf and preparing claim forms and briefs.  The DAV extends disaster relief to disabled veterans affected by natural disasters like earthquakes or floods.  The DAV National Magazine and California's DAV News, chapter meetings, and other functions keep members up-to-date on issues affecting their rights.  The Department's Transportation Network transports sick and disabled veterans to VA medical facilities for treatment in California.  DAV Volunteers in California donate hours to veterans at all VA hospitals and many non-VA facilities throughout the state.  Through a variety of local programs the DAV reaches into their communities, seeking new ways to help disabled veterans and their families.

How Does Your DAV Membership Benefit You?

As a DAV Member, in addition to DAV programs and services, members are entitled to a Member Benefits Package, which gives you access to a variety of important programs, products, and services. Also included with your membership is a FREE subscription to DAV Magazine.

What is the DAV's Dues Structure?

Thank you for becoming a member! And don't forget, your family members are eligible to become members of the DAV Auxiliary