
DAV pushes VA for transparency re: layoffs, benefits process and more
03/14/25 • 42 min
In this era of VA budget cuts and workforce layoffs, we talked about it with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Communications Chief, Air Force veteran Dan Clare.
After a recent meeting with VA Secretary Doug Collins, who recently spoke at DAV’s Mid-Winter Conference, Clare shared how Collins claimed his #1 priority was taking care of our vets, but did not offer any details about how exactly he’s going to do it.
Clare explains that massive cuts to VA staff, seems ill-advised considering over 800K new veterans have recently registered for VA care and over 1M claims have been filed, since the PACT Act, toxic exposure bill, became law three years ago.
We also dove into the benefit claims process, and how DAV is there to help all veterans get their applications processed and ensure they stand a chance at getting approved. Clare also discussed alternative health care treatment options DAV members want to see in the future.
And although DAV members hope the new administration will deliver results, they have yet to hear anything specific from VA or when they will deliver promising new treatments.
If you’re a vet who has been affected by federal layoffs or cancelled contracts ...
Contact DAV so they can share your opinions here:
https://www.dav.org/defend-veteran-jobs/
DAV has support for all veterans submitting VA benefit claims.
Find the help you need navigating your benefits process here:
https://www.dav.org/find-your-local-office/
About DAV:
We are dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. We accomplish this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
This mission is carried forward by:
- Providing free, professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services earned through military service and provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies of government.
- Providing outreach concerning its program services to the American people generally, and to disabled veterans and their families specifically.
- Representing the interests of disabled veterans, their families, their widowed spouses and their orphans before Congress, the White House and the Judicial Branch, as well as state and local government.
- Extending DAV’s mission of hope into the communities where these veterans and their families live through a network of state-level Departments and local Chapters.
- Providing a structure through which disabled veterans can express their compassion for their fellow veterans through a variety of volunteer programs.
To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this era of VA budget cuts and workforce layoffs, we talked about it with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Communications Chief, Air Force veteran Dan Clare.
After a recent meeting with VA Secretary Doug Collins, who recently spoke at DAV’s Mid-Winter Conference, Clare shared how Collins claimed his #1 priority was taking care of our vets, but did not offer any details about how exactly he’s going to do it.
Clare explains that massive cuts to VA staff, seems ill-advised considering over 800K new veterans have recently registered for VA care and over 1M claims have been filed, since the PACT Act, toxic exposure bill, became law three years ago.
We also dove into the benefit claims process, and how DAV is there to help all veterans get their applications processed and ensure they stand a chance at getting approved. Clare also discussed alternative health care treatment options DAV members want to see in the future.
And although DAV members hope the new administration will deliver results, they have yet to hear anything specific from VA or when they will deliver promising new treatments.
If you’re a vet who has been affected by federal layoffs or cancelled contracts ...
Contact DAV so they can share your opinions here:
https://www.dav.org/defend-veteran-jobs/
DAV has support for all veterans submitting VA benefit claims.
Find the help you need navigating your benefits process here:
https://www.dav.org/find-your-local-office/
About DAV:
We are dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. We accomplish this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
This mission is carried forward by:
- Providing free, professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services earned through military service and provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies of government.
- Providing outreach concerning its program services to the American people generally, and to disabled veterans and their families specifically.
- Representing the interests of disabled veterans, their families, their widowed spouses and their orphans before Congress, the White House and the Judicial Branch, as well as state and local government.
- Extending DAV’s mission of hope into the communities where these veterans and their families live through a network of state-level Departments and local Chapters.
- Providing a structure through which disabled veterans can express their compassion for their fellow veterans through a variety of volunteer programs.
To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Previous Episode

Maryland: Crab cakes, Football and Veteran Success! Army vet, Sec. Tony Woods shares what’s available right now
As we experience an uncertain time of change and massive government layoffs, the state of Maryland is expanding its support for veterans.
We talked with Tony Woods, Army veteran and Secretary of Maryland Veterans, Military and Families, about the specific ways they’re supporting vets.
We begin with his days leading troops in Iraq. Woods also shares a surprising personal revelation about his time in the Army, and the policy that led to his leaving the military.
After his own career changes he describes his entrance into government, and an alliance with fellow Army combat veteran, Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
He describes how his department is supporting vets through; college education programs, VA benefit claims assistance and financial support for veteran-owned small businesses.
See how Maryland programs support veterans here:
https://veterans.maryland.gov/
Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs
Follow on X
@philbriggsVet
@EyeOnVeterans
@connectingvets
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Next Episode

AI, Cyber, and Business: AMU’s online degrees for vets and the jobs of the future
This week we’re looking at online degree programs for veterans, from
American Military University (AMU), one of the top online Universities for military
and veterans. We begin with two enlisted veterans that have done it.
Former Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Dan Roby shares how it’s never too late
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Sgt. Tonda Navarrete describes how vets can succeed in today’s rapidly
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We also hear how AMU is dedicated to delivering higher education to active duty military,
veterans and even their children, through incredibly affordable tuition.
They also share some success stories from other veteran student graduates.
Check out American Military University’s courses and degree programs here:
https://www.amu.apus.edu/military/
Connect with CBS Eye on Veterans Host, Phil Briggs
Follow on X
@philbriggsVet
@EyeOnVeterans
@connectingvets
To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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