Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

William A. Genochio III | Department Staff Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Liaison, Veterans Benefits Administration & DSO Coordinator

Phone: 216-522-3504 ext.53746 (office) | Email: william.genochio@va.gov / genochio@ohiolegion.com

David K Cook Sr. | Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission Chairman

Phone: 937-243-2749 | Email: cookong1976@outlook.com

The American Legion has for over 100 years acted as the nation’s leading advocate for proper health care, economic opportunity and legal benefits for U.S. military veterans. The Legion was instrumental in the creation of the Veterans Administration in 1930 and an ardent supporter of its elevation to cabinet status when it became the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1989. The relationship between VA and The American Legion continues to evolve today.

DEPARTMENT SERVICE OFFICER PRODUCTION!

Click Here to review Department Service Officer Appeal Production

From June 1st, 2023, to May 31st, 2024 Veterans Benefits Administration DSO claim work totals:

» Hearings Scheduled – 64

» Success Rate 81.25%

» Retro won $1,618,787.88

» Remand won $11,741.46

» Total amount won $1,738,529.34

Click here to download and view The American Legion Code of Procedure for Veteran Service Officers.

Preparing Your Loved Ones

» https://www.ohiolegion.com/wp-content/uploads/Preparing-your-Spouse.docx

» Funeral Planning Guide

Department 1st Vice Commander Brad Teis fellowships with the Assembly floor during his election demonstration on Sunday

Department Service Officers & County Veteran Service Offices

Accredited American Legion service officers are specially trained to provide expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families. The American Legion Department of Ohio has 7 offices throughout the state located at the Dayton VAMC, Cincinnati VAMC, Columbus OPC, Cleveland VAMC, Toledo CBOC, Department HQ, and most importantly, our team of 5 co-located with the VA Regional Office in Downtown Cleveland. The DSO’s within The American Legion office located inside the VARO is where we perform appeals for veterans of Ohio. We are ready to assist you as a walk-in or over the phone. Click on the “Department Service Officers” link below to obtain contact information to a Department Service Officer in your area.

» Department Service Officers

Our specially trained DSO’s in the Cleveland VARO are also there to assist the 150 + County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO’s) who are accredited with The American Legion, located within the 88 counties throughout the state. Click on the link below to find your County Veteran Service Office.

» County Veteran Service Offices

Career Services for Veterans

Job and education opportunities are pushed aside to make time for military service. Career advancement and college educations are often delayed. For some veterans returning to civilian life with physical disabilities or personal problems, such a transition can be daunting. The Department of Ohio’s Employment Committee, is a major part of the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation pillar, that works specifically in that area. Click on “Employment Committee” below to learn more and explore career opportunities in your area.

» Employment Committee

Gifts for Yanks

“Gifts for Yanks” is a program of giving by Legionaires within the State of Ohio, originally called “Gifts for the Yanks Who Gave”, since 1952 to our hospitalized veterans and VA facilities from members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion. Gifts for Yanks committee.

» More about Gifts for Yanks