Veterans first: SVA and VA team up to support student Veterans

Student Veterans of America (SVA) recently shared how partnering with VA delivered real impact for student Veterans. During a recent Joint House and Senate Veterans Service Organization (VSO) Hearing, Tammy Barlet, SVA’s vice president of Government Affairs, emphasized the transformative impact of VA’s engagement at SVA’s 2026 National Conference (NatCon), held Jan. 8–10, in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Barlet shared that over 200 VA representatives provided essential, hands-on support to more than 400 Veterans, guiding them through programs, benefits, services and resources—critical steps toward receiving the benefits they’ve earned. She described the effort as “life changing” and a “blueprint for how VA and organizations can show up and partner at scale.”

At NatCon, student Veterans and their families were provided personalized assistance by VA staff in several areas, including help with applying for VA health care for the first time and filing a VA disability claim. During the event, VA scheduled and conducted 201 exams, completed 23 disability ratings and delivered over 1,500 direct services, with many Veterans benefiting from multiple services during their interactions with VA representatives.

The conference also showcased the vital role of VA’s Veterans Experience Office (VEO), which coordinates Veteran Assistance Expos to reach Veterans nationwide. These events meet Veterans where they are, ensuring direct access to health care, benefits and support. Notably, 96% of attendees reported they would recommend the expo to other Veterans.

The event also featured VEO’s Dr. Lynda Davis, who shared valuable insights on policies and the delivery of critical programs that directly benefit nearly 600,000 student Veterans represented by SVA chapters nationwide.

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Source: VA News
Website: news.va.gov