LOUISIANA VETERANS LEAD THE NATION IN VA BENEFITS GROWTH

LOUISIANA VETERANS LEAD THE NATION IN VA BENEFITS GROWTH

State Outpaces National Average with 6% Surge in Veterans Receiving Federal Support

BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana veterans are receiving more federal VA benefits than ever before, with a 6% increase in the number of veterans accessing critical support programs from Fiscal Year 2023 to 2024—tripling the national growth rate of just 2%, according to the latest Annual Benefits Report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

A total of 108,894 Louisiana veterans now receive VBA benefits, up from 103,120 the previous year—a clear sign that the state is leading the charge in connecting its heroes with the compensation, education, housing, and rehabilitation services they’ve earned.

“Louisiana isn’t just keeping pace—we’re setting the standard,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “Our veterans are getting the benefits they deserve at a rate that far exceeds the rest of the country. This isn’t luck. It’s leadership.”

Key Highlights: Louisiana vs. the Nation

Notably, Louisiana’s 25% surge in VR&E participation and 9% jump in education benefits dramatically outpace national trends, reflecting aggressive outreach and effective partnerships between the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, VA facilities, and local veteran service organizations.

“These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re lives changed,” added Secretary Charlton Meginley. “More compensation means financial stability. More education means brighter futures. More VR&E means second careers. Louisiana is delivering.”

Secretary Meginley further notes that Louisiana’s veterans are a major economic group. “Our veterans receive over nearly $2.2 Billion in VA compensation. This is money that is put back into our communities. While pension and insurance saw modest declines consistent with national patterns, the overall trajectory is undeniable: Louisiana veterans are winning,” Secretary Meginley stated. “This is a good news story we can continue to build upon.”

The state’s success is fueled by expanded claims assistance, increased outreach, and targeted education campaigns—ensuring no veteran is left behind.

Louisiana now ranks among the top-performing states in year-over-year growth of VA benefit recipients, proving that focused state-level action yields real results for veterans.

LDVA encourages all eligible veterans to fully explore available benefits and contact their local parish veteran service office or visit the LDVA website for assistance. For more information, call 1-877-GEAUXVA (1-877-432-8982) or go to vetaffairs.la.gov.

Please visit https://vetaffairs.la.gov/news for the latest Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs releases, photos, and videos.

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