The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced that it provided record levels of care and benefits to Veterans and their families in Ohio throughout fiscal year 2024.
“Veterans deserve the very best from VA and our nation, and we will never settle for anything less,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “We’re honored that more Veterans are getting their earned health care and benefits from VA than ever before, but make no mistake: there is still work to do. We will continue to work each and every day to earn the trust of those we serve — and ensure that all Veterans, their families, and their survivors get the care and benefits they so rightly deserve.”
This milestone reflects ongoing efforts by the VA and the Biden-Harris Administration to enhance services for those who have served in the military. Central to these advancements is the PACT Act, which represents the largest expansion of VA health care and benefits in decades.
Efforts in Ohio included delivering over 4.84 million health care appointments. This increase also included 12,929 new enrollees in the VA health care system.
In terms of financial support, the VA provided compensation to a total of 180,969 Ohio Veterans. Additionally, 6,960 Veterans accessed pension benefits, with these programs collectively amounting to approximately $3.95 billion and $99.2 million, respectively. The VA also processed 72,749 disability claims for Ohio Veterans, achieving a grant rate of 65.2%.
Nationwide, trust in the VA reached an all-time high of 80.4% this year, representing a significant 25% increase since 2016. Specifically, trust in VA health care services soared to 92%, highlighting the agency’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of care and support for Veterans.
The VA also prioritized crisis intervention by providing no-cost emergency health care to over 1,770 Ohio Veterans experiencing acute suicidal crises.
Support for survivors of Veterans also saw notable progress, with 3,942 surviving family members receiving pension benefits totaling approximately $45.14 million this year. Additionally, 16,947 spouses and dependents were awarded Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, amounting to around $341.3 million.
Women Veterans in Ohio experienced a record year, with 18,007 receiving compensation and 1,354 women enrolled in the VA health care system, an increase in female representation and involvement within the agency.
Finally, the VA honored the service of 2,772 Veterans by interring them in national cemeteries across Ohio this year.
The VA's achievements are part of broader initiatives, including expanding eligibility for health care for toxic-exposed Veterans, housing nearly 48,000 Veterans experiencing homelessness, and improving access to mental health care.
