Louisiana is outpacing the national average three times over when it comes to VA benefits growth. From fiscal year 2023 to fiscal 2024, there was a 6% increase in the number of veterans accessing critical support programs, tripling the national average of 2%. Louisiana VA Secretary Charlton Meginley says more than 82,000 veterans receive more than $2 billion in VA compensation.
“Just in terms of compensation alone, so VA compensation money, went up almost 5,000 veterans. That is a significant number when it comes to economic impact within the state, not just for the communities, but for the veterans themselves,” Meginley explained.
Meginley says the growth in Louisiana veterans taking advantage of the GI Bill is also outpacing the national average.
“There was a 9% increase in the number of students who were using federal VA education benefits like GI Bill and Title 35, who were using them at our colleges and universities,” Meginley noted.
The most notable areas of growth are in vocational rehabilitation and employment at 25% and education through the G.I. Bill at 9% – both outpacing their respective national averages. Meginley says the growth in veterans taking advantage of the programs that the Louisiana VA offers is a testament to the outreach of the department, letting them know that these programs are out there for their benefit.
“My team is at over 50 events, talking to veterans, seeing what we can do for them, thanking them, of course, for their service. But also saying, ‘I’m thanking you for your service, but how can I help you get the benefits that you’ve earned and deserve?’ Not just at the federal level, but at the state level as well,” Meginley said.
