Honoring Service Through Action: Veterans Benefits and the Role of VA-Accredited Attorneys
As October passes into November, two significant dates for the United States armed forces come on the horizon, offering us a chance to remember, celebrate, and honor those who have served our country and protected our freedoms. It’s an excellent time to reflect on our legacy of courage, honor, and commitment, and consider the rights and privileges our veterans have earned access to through their service.
Firstly, November 10, 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps. In 1775, almost nine months before the Declaration of Independence was signed by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, that body passed another resolution, drafted by Massachusetts delegate John Adams. This resolution called for the establishment of “two Battalions of Marines”—the genesis of a landing force that would be formalized in July 1798 (again by John Adams, now serving as President) as a permanent arm of the United States military.
Since its earliest days fighting for independence, the Marine Corps has participated in every war fought by the United States, while maintaining a legacy of honor and a reputation for excellence. The November 10th birthday has not always been actively celebrated, however. It was not until 1921, when Commandant John A. Lejeune issued Order 47, that November 10 became an official Marine Corps holiday, and the traditional celebrations continued to evolve from that point. The first ball was held in 1925, and the beloved cake-cutting ceremony would be formalized in 1952. However, even in situations where a ball and cake would be impossible, Marines in all corners of the world never fail to commemorate their brothers-in-arms each November 10.
The day after the Marine Corps birthday opens the opportunity to remember and honor all branches with the observance of Veterans Day on November 11th. Originally known as “Armistice Day,” this holiday began in 1919 by declaration of President Woodrow Wilson in remembrance of the Armistice signed with Germany on November 11, 1918, ending major hostilities in World War I.
November 11 continued to be observed as simply a remembrance of the Armistice until 1945, when World War II veteran Raymond Weeks proposed the date as a national holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring veterans of all wars. In 1947, Weeks began to lead a nationally recognized observance of Veterans Day in his home state of Alabama, and continued to serve in this capacity until his death in 1985. The date of November 11 was officially recognized as Veterans Day in 1954, following a Congressional bill signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, himself famously a veteran of both World Wars.
Veterans Day remains a beloved holiday for Americans, who take the opportunity to tell the veterans in their lives, “Thank you for your service.” Expressions of gratitude for service and respectful remembrance of those soldiers, sailors, and airmen who did not return home are certainly appropriate and fitting for this day, but it’s critical to remember that American veterans deserve so much more than merely our thoughts and words.
Honoring Service Through Benefits
In addition to our gratitude, the most meaningful way we can honor veterans is by ensuring they are aware of, and able to access, the benefits their service has earned. These benefits are not acts of charity or goodwill; they are part of a solemn promise made by the nation to those who have worn its uniform. From healthcare and education to disability compensation and survivor benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers a broad range of programs designed to support veterans and their families through every stage of life.
One of the cornerstone benefits available to veterans is disability compensation. This tax-free monetary benefit is paid to veterans who have a service-connected disability—an injury, illness, or condition that was caused or worsened by military service.1 The amount received depends on the severity of the disability and, in some cases, the number of dependents.2 Veterans with disabilities rated at 30% or higher may also qualify for additional compensation for spouses, children, or dependent parents.3
Beyond disability benefits, many veterans and their families can access education and training assistance through programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This benefit helps cover tuition and housing for veterans pursuing college degrees, vocational training, or professional certifications, and can even be transferred to a spouse or child under certain conditions.4 For those who served earlier, other programs such as the Montgomery GI Bill remain available.5
Healthcare remains another essential area of earned benefit. The VA operates one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the world, offering comprehensive medical services ranging from primary care and surgery to mental health and rehabilitation.6 Eligibility depends on factors such as length of service, discharge status, and disability rating, but even veterans who do not qualify for full VA healthcare may be eligible for specific programs, such as those addressing Agent Orange exposure, Gulf War illnesses, or toxic burn pit-related conditions.7 Spouses and dependents may also qualify for certain healthcare programs, such as CHAMPVA, which provides coverage when a veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected condition.8
For those in later stages of life, pension and survivor benefits can offer crucial financial stability. The Veterans Pension program assists low-income wartime veterans who are disabled or over age 659, while the Survivor’s Pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) programs provide ongoing support for eligible family members of deceased veterans.10
How a VA-Accredited Attorney Can Help
Unfortunately, many eligible veterans and families encounter obstacles when trying to claim Department of Veterans Affairs means the attorney has been vetted and authorized to assist with claims and appeals under Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations.11 A VA-accredited lawyer understands how to gather the right evidence, interpret the often-complex legal standards for service connection, and ensure that claims are properly and timely filed.
Accredited attorneys are also subject to oversight and ethical standards. They must complete initial and ongoing training in veterans’ law, as required under 38 C.F.R. § 14.629(b), and may be suspended or disqualified for misconduct under 38 C.F.R. § 14.633.12
In short, accreditation matters because it protects veterans. Only accredited attorneys, agents, and certain veterans’ service organization representatives are legally permitted to represent claimants before the VA. They are held accountable for maintaining professional standards, continuing education, and integrity in their practice.
As we celebrate the courage and commitment of America’s servicemembers this November, let us remember that the promise we owe them is not fulfilled with words alone. It’s fulfilled when every veteran can access the care, support, and recognition they have rightfully earned—and when those navigating a complicated system have a qualified advocate by their side to see that promise kept.
1. 38 C.F.R. § 3.303 – Principles relating to service connection.
2. 38 U.S.C. § 1114 – Rates of wartime disability compensation.
3. 38 C.F.R. § 3.4(b)(2) – Additional compensation for dependents.
4. 38 U.S.C. §§ 3311–3327 – Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.
5. 38 U.S.C. §§ 3001–3036 – Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty Program.
6. 38 U.S.C. § 7301 – Functions of Veterans Health Administration.
7. 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.307–3.309 – Presumptive service connection for certain diseases and exposures.
8. 38 U.S.C. § 1781 – Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA).
9. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1521–1522 – Veterans Pension and income limitations.
10. 38 U.S.C. §§ 1310–1318 – Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for survivors.
11. 38 C.F.R. § 14.629 – Standards for accreditation of attorneys and agents.
12. 38 C.F.R. § 14.633 – Suspension or cancellation of accreditation. 