BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana veterans are receiving federal benefits at a record pace, with a 6 percent increase in recipients from fiscal year 2023 to 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ latest Annual Benefits Report. The state’s growth triples the national average of 2 percent, marking one of the strongest performances in the country.
A total of 108,894 Louisiana veterans now receive Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) support, up from 103,120 the previous year. The increase reflects expanded access to compensation, education, housing, and rehabilitation programs statewide.
“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.”
Louisiana outperformed national trends across several benefit categories. Participation in Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) programs rose 25 percent compared with 10 percent nationally. Education benefits climbed 9 percent, nearly double the national 5 percent increase. Compensation grew 6 percent, in line with national averages, while home loan participation rose 4 percent.
“These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re lives changed,” said Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley. “More compensation means financial stability. More education means brighter futures. More VR&E means second careers. Louisiana is delivering.”
Meginley said Louisiana veterans receive nearly $2.2 billion annually in VA compensation, money that supports local economies across the state. He noted that while pension and insurance benefits saw modest declines consistent with national trends, the overall trajectory remains positive.
The department attributes the state’s success to expanded claims assistance, enhanced outreach, and targeted education efforts aimed at connecting more veterans with available services.
Louisiana now ranks among the top states in year-over-year growth of VA benefit recipients. Veterans seeking information or assistance can contact their local parish service office, call 1-877-GEAUXVA (1-877-432-8982), or visit vetaffairs.la.gov.