The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that 702,557 women veterans are now receiving disability benefits, marking a 26 percent increase since 2019.
Under Secretary for Benefits, Joshua Jacobs, attributed this achievement to the VA’s commitment to meeting women veterans where they are rather than expecting them to come to the VA. Women currently make up 16.5 percent of the 18 million veterans in the U.S.
To better support women veterans, the VA has expanded healthcare options, including breast cancer screenings and mammograms for those potentially exposed to toxins, access to reproductive health services, and personalized maternity care.
VA press secretary Terrence Hayes noted that many women veterans historically did not sign up for VA benefits, often because they didn’t feel welcomed. “It’s crucial now, under President Biden’s leadership, that we reach out directly to every veteran,” Hayes stated.
Jacobs highlighted that the VA is organizing nearly 140 events this year to support women veterans, adding to the more than 2,500 events held in 2023. The VA has also started using direct communication methods like texting and emailing to encourage veterans to engage with their services.
“While we’re proud of our progress, there’s still more to do,” Jacobs said. “We want every woman veteran to access the benefits they’ve earned and deserve, and we’re continually expanding our outreach and services to better serve them.”
Zaneta Adams, a U.S. Army veteran and VA disability beneficiary since 2005, emphasized the need for the VA to improve outreach and ensure women veterans know it’s a safe and welcoming environment. “The VA can do better at showing women veterans that the culture has changed for the better,” said Adams, who is now the VA’s deputy assistant secretary for intergovernmental affairs.
Adams shared that during her time with the VA, she has had access to all-women providers and quality mental health services. “Yesterday’s VA is not today’s VA,” she remarked. “If you’re not taking advantage of the benefits you’ve earned, you’re missing out.”
Women veterans seeking assistance or resources can contact the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 via call, text, or online chat.
