About LDVA

Our Purpose

We exist for you.

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs aids residents of the State of Louisiana who served in the Armed Forces of the United States during any war, combat or special periods of service during peacetime, along with their dependents and beneficiaries, in receiving any and all benefits to which they may be entitled under the law of the United States or the states thereof.

Our mission is clear.

Our mission is to provide comprehensive care and quality service to Louisiana’s Veterans, and their families, with regard to health care, education, disability benefits, long-term care, and burial honors.

Our staff are experts on the VA claims process. LDVA works with veterans to:
1. Identify what evidence is needed to have the best possible chance of having a claim approved.
2. Explain and clarify VA procedures that apply to the claim.
3. Monitor the claim as it progresses through the development process and intercede if problems with a claim should arise.
4. If a claim is denied by the VA and the veteran disagrees with the VA's decision, LDVA's PSOs and Claims Office will help through the appeal process. For example, LDVA can assist in preparing a proper notice of disagreement, representing the veteran at a personal hearing, etc.

Veteran with American flag in hat
Our Structure

This is where we fit in the big picture.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The federal VA offers a variety of benefits including education, compensation, pension, housing, and health care. They decide on claims and administer the allotted funds for each of these programs.

LA Department of Veterans Affairs

LDVA works with Louisiana’s veterans and their families to help them access USDVA funds. We help veterans understand potential benefits, apply for compensation, pursue denied claims, and ultimately, receive due honors. Though we cannot administer the funds that come from the federal VA, we work closely with individual vets to help them get the benefits and care they earned. Services are free and may be obtained by visiting any PSO.

Louisiana's Veterans

In 2017, LDVA connected 287,373 veterans and their families with $1.3 billion in VA compensation and pension. Let us help you and your family get benefits you deserve.

Our People

Leadership

  • Jeff Landry

    Jeff Landry

    Governor, State of Louisiana

    Jeff Landry’s love for our state, and his passion for helping others is defined by his Louisiana roots. Jeff grew up in the small town of St. Martinsville where his mother was a schoolteacher and his parents took him to church every day. Later, Jeff learned the value of hard work in the sugar cane fields and then proudly joined the National Guard, serving in Operation Desert Storm. After returning home, Jeff worked as a police officer and sheriff’s deputy, and later started a successful business and went to law school.

    As a public servant, both as a U.S. Congressman and the Attorney General of Louisiana, Jeff Landry has shown strength and courage fighting for common sense values and bringing people together to deliver solutions.

    On October 14, 2023 Jeff Landry was elected to become the 57th Governor of Louisiana in a historic primary victory. On January 8th, 2024, he assumed office.

    As Governor, he will not be afraid to make the changes necessary to turn Louisiana around, deliver results, and fight for working families.

    Jeff resides in Broussard, Louisiana with his wife, Sharon, and their son, JT.

  • Charlton J. Meginley, COL (USAF Retired)

    Charlton J. Meginley, COL (USAF Retired)

    Secretary, LDVA

    Colonel Charlton Meginley (retired) served in the U.S. Air Force as a Judge Advocate on active duty for more than 20 years, completing his military career as an Appellate Military Judge on the Air Force's Court of Criminal Appeals at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Prior to his final assignment, Col Meginley was the Staff Judge Advocate, 62d Airlift Wing, McChord Field, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, where he oversaw legal operations for one of the most visible airlift wings in the Department of Defense. Col Meginley also served as an Air Force defense counsel in three assignments, most recently as the Chief Senior Defense Counsel for the Air Force’s Central Circuit at Joint Base San-Antonio, Texas. Overall, Col Meginley served in 11 assignments at nine installations throughout the world, including a deployment to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Balad Air Base, Iraq.

    Following his military retirement, Col Meginley returned to Louisiana and joined, then-Secretary of State, Kyle Ardoin's staff as his General Counsel, where he provided guidance and authority on Louisiana's Election and Commercial Codes.

    As Veterans Affairs Secretary, Col Meginley is responsible for overseeing five Veterans Homes, five State Veterans Cemeteries, 74 Veterans Assistance Officers, the Administrative, Contact Assistance, and Claims Divisions, the Military Family Assistance Fund, the Veterans Honor Medal Program, and outreach initiatives for Veterans Service Organizations, homeless, incarcerated and female veterans.

    Col Meginley is married to his wife Therese, who served by his side during his entire career. Together, they have four daughters. Col Meginley is originally from Alexandria, Louisiana, and is a proud graduate of Holy Savior Menard High School in Alexandria, the University of Louisiana-Monroe, and the Louisiana State University Law Center.

  • Richard Adams

    At-Large Member

  • Elvin R. “Ray” Bass

    Veterans of Foreign Wars

  • Sandra J. "Sandy" Franks

    Disabled American Veterans

  • H. Paul Hermann Jr.

    Disabled American Veterans

  • Eric B. Kuyper

    American Legion

  • Sulanda V. Lonnette

    At-Large Member

  • Vacant

    Military Order of the Purple Heart

  • Bobbie L. Ragsdale III

    At-Large Member

  • Deron G. Santiny

    Military Order of the Purple Heart




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