For many veterans, access to benefits is determined not just by service—but by how laws are written.
Small differences in language can exclude entire groups based on geography, timelines, or definitions.
MVA works to ensure these laws reflect the realities of military service—and that no group of veterans is left behind.
Military-Veterans Advocacy® works directly with Members of Congress, Senators, and their staff, as well as the House and Senate Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.
Members of MVA’s Board of Directors regularly travel to Washington, D.C. to advocate for legislative priorities and collaborate with other national organizations.
Drafting and reviewing legislative language
Providing technical expertise to Congressional staff
Submitting written testimony and statements for the record
Supporting or opposing bills affecting veterans’ benefits and care
Coordinating with national advocacy coalitions
Highlighted priorities are summarized from the official legislative agenda approved by the MVA Board of Directors.
Earlier Effective Dates for Guam Veterans
Support for legislation establishing an earlier effective date for toxic exposure presumptions for veterans who served in Guam, reflecting documented historical exposure.
Herbicide Exposure Benefits for Panama and Okinawa
Supporting legislation recognizing herbicide exposure among veterans who served in the Panama Canal Zone and Okinawa.
Coverage for Military Dependents Exposed to Toxic Substances
Advocating for legislation that provides medical care for military dependents exposed to environmental toxins while accompanying service members.
VA Rulemaking Accountability
Promoting oversight and reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in VA rulemaking that affects veterans’ benefits.
Restoration of the Blue Water Navy Combat Theater Line
Supporting legislative efforts to restore the Blue Water Navy combat theater line to ensure fair recognition of qualifying service.
Herbicide Benefits for Guam, Panama, and Okinawa Veterans
Supporting legislation to recognize documented herbicide exposure affecting veterans who served in Guam, Panama, and Okinawa.
Protection for Military Dependents Exposed to Toxins
Advocating for health care access for military dependents exposed to environmental hazards while living on affected installations.
VA Appellate and Benefits Reform
Supporting reforms that improve fairness, efficiency, and transparency in the VA disability claims and appeals system.
Mandatory Timelines for VA Rulemaking Responses
Promoting legislative reforms that require timely responses from the VA when implementing or revising regulations affecting veterans’ benefits.
Expanded Treatment Options for Service-Connected Conditions
Supporting policies that expand access to treatment and care for veterans suffering from service-connected health conditions.
Military-Veterans Advocacy has contributed to major legislative efforts that have expanded benefits and protections for veterans nationwide.
PACT Act fact sheet
PACT Act FAQ
Blue Water Navy Act VA resources
Click here to add your own text
By joining Military-Veterans Advocacy® or making a donation, you help sustain critical legal action on behalf of service members and veterans.
Your support strengthens the ability to challenge injustice wherever it occurs.
Military-Veterans Advocacy submits formal written testimony for the Congressional record, outlining policy positions and advocating for legislative solutions.
These statements reflect MVA’s ongoing commitment to shaping laws that protect service members, veterans, and their families.
Statement for the Record in Support of Legislative Priorities
March 8, 2022
United States Senate Veterans Affairs Committee & United States House Veterans Affairs Committee
Military-Veterans Advocacy® submitted formal written testimony outlining its legislative priorities, with a focus on toxic exposure, veterans’ benefits reform, and the need for accountable and timely VA rulemaking.
[View PDF]
Statement for the Record in Support of S. 657, S. 927, S. 952, and Related Legislation
April 28, 2021
United States Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
This statement details MVA’s support for legislation addressing herbicide exposure, burn pits, and other toxic exposures, including analysis of proposed bills and recommendations to improve outcomes for affected veterans and their families.
[View PDF]
These statements are submitted for the official Congressional record and reflect Military-Veterans Advocacy®’s formal policy positions at the time of submission.
In many locations where toxic exposure has been confirmed, military dependents lived alongside service members, drinking the same water and breathing the same air. While veterans may receive presumptive benefits and medical care, affected dependents are often left without assistance.
Military-Veterans Advocacy® supports legislation to address this gap by providing access to medical care for dependents harmed by toxic exposure on military installations.
Effective legislative advocacy requires persistence, expertise, and independence.
Memberships and donations help Military-Veterans Advocacy® advance policies that protect service members, veterans, and their families.