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.

Who is Eligible to Join the DAV?

Any man or woman, who was wounded, gassed, injured or disabled in the line of duty during time of war, while in the service of either the military or naval forces of the United States of America, and who has not been dishonorably discharged or separated from such service, or who may still be in active service in the armed forces of the United States of America is eligible for membership in the Disabled American Veterans. Others who are disabled while serving with any of the armed forces of any nations associated with the United States of America as allies during any of its war periods, who are American citizens and who are honorably discharged, are also eligible.

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?

After a minimum down p[ayment of $40 toward your life membership, you will receive your memberhship card.  The remaining balance isp paid in interest-free installments.  All dues payments redeived are applied to your life membership account.  Apply online for as little as $10 with a recurring monthly credit card payment at dav,org/membership/join-dav.  Thank you for becoming a member.  

DAV life membership = $300   |  Veterans age 80 or older = FREE

Life membership payments are non-refundable and are not tax deductible