Very unprofessional and hung up on me and didn't even say goodbye. I was trying to inform Mary Patterson doesn't know the recent federal law finding that the VA is in charge of DOD retirement and they must address all medical board separation issues. The DOD component is not in charge of service members once they separate. She kept on referring to VA disability. The DOD rating system is what I was appealing and the BCNR told me that the VA is the governing authority. She could not even give me a point of contact to who was going to follow up call me. Honestly, I'm planning on switching VSO because this person doesn't have the ability to listen and fact check. read more

Disabled American Veterans - Veterans Organizations Near Me - San Diego, California

I have been donating weekly for many years to this organization. In the last 6 months, the truck drivers have been too lazy to take my donation? Today I donated gently used patio umbrellas as I had donated 6 of these a year ago without hesitation. The two guys on the truck decided to not take these umbrellas today claiming these are not on their list of acceptable items? In the last year I donated 4 TVs and 5 yellow patio umbrellas and they swiftly picked all up. I guess the truck drivers decide what they pick up by what they want to keep for themselves!!!! Pathetic how lazy and inconsistent this charity has become. The driver even left a donation receipt which tells me they are just too lazy to do their job!!! I will NEVER donate to this charity again. It's a waste of time and efforts for some laborer to be calling the shots!!!! The driver even left a donation receipt which tells me they are just too lazy to do their job!!! read more

Disabled American Veterans - Veterans Organizations Near Me - San Diego, California

The DAV is generally useless. It seems to me that they are an apparent money grab who leaches off veterans to raise money, while providing zero actual support in the VA claims process. Both the VFW and DAV are terrible. Shame on these organizations. read more

I put out some old camping stuff from years ago, among other stuff. The pickup crew THREW the unwanted items around, & the wind moved everything tens of feet away. Was this necessary? Just don't pick it up. read more

I used the DAV in Waco, Texas and they were AMAZING. I first tried on my own and got 10%. Then I wen the attorney route and they did nothing. Last year I went to a DAV open house in Cedar Hill, Texas and they hooked me up with the Waco office. Less then 1yesr later I am now 100%!!! I owe to to the DAV Waco and Jeremy Cotton, the DAV rep. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

I appointed them in 2016 spoke with someone one time. After multiple calls and no response. I gave up. Its 2025 they are still listed as my representative and I haven't received a call or letter in almost 10 years. Don't waste your time. The last time I laid eyes on anyone from DAV was in D.C. while they were parked in front of the VA HQ protesting. For what I don't know. I assume that's why there were too busy to return a phone call. read more

Do not go through this company. Terrible customer service. They do not return calls and are very hard to get in contact with. You have to seek them out constantly and get no response. It's incredible how terrible a company...that claims to help veterans...can be. Don't waste your time...go somewhere else! read more

I am a lifetime member of the DAV and I have not gotten the help from this organization that I should have gotten in the past! I actually got more help from the VFW whom I am extremely grateful to the VFW for helping me get a income when I was homeless. I feel that the DMV could have done more to help me. Being homeless I definitely liked that the VFW kept records of what they were doing to help us which was a huge help especially after having a brain injury! read more

The "DAV" is Definitely There To Help Veterans My Representative Miss Sabatino Is Very Knowledgeable,Thorough, & Concerned in Providing Me With The Best Information & Guidelines in Submitting My Claims To The "VA" !!! When I Have Questions My Rep. Miss Sabatino Always Responds With In a Few Hours To My Emails !! I Feel I'm In Good Hands Being Represented By Miss Sabatino & The "DAV"!!! I Highly Recommend To Any Veteran Dealing With The "VA" in Submitting Claims The "DAV" is The Way To Go !!! read more

I was on my way to calvet office and mistakenly stopped at DAV, they said they were better so I let them take me as a customer. initial appointment was brief and told what additional items I needed. I went in to schedule an appointment and later given a call back a week later. however I was in process of moving so I asked to reschedule. Told I had to call front desk, to reschedule, but they never answer the phone. 200+ calls over 2 months, only one answer, Only phone I was informed they are in process of moving and open following week to call back to schedule, informed there is only one person working phones. 3 weeks in and still not a single pick up from opening to closing hours according to their website. Unless you are able and willing to drive to their location every single time, you are better off going elsewhere or even filing yourself. This specific DAV is an absolute waste of your time. Unfortunately they are the only location to me and I'm an hour drive away, I ended up having to open a new intent to file and just filed at the best of my ability because my last one expired. I should had done it myself a years worth. MISSION VALLEY LOCATION MOVED, THEIR NEW OFFICE LOCATION and # for any existing customer able to drive to location to complete what they started. 8620 Spectrum Center Blvd, Suite 721 San Diego, CA 92123 (619) 400-5315 read more

Do not waste your time with this organization. Not only did they not do anything, but they make you feel like what you're trying to do is unachievable. We were more successful doing it all on our own! They don't fight or support the veterans, like they say they do, and it's very sad. Don't give up, do your own research, submit your own documentation and keep fighting! read more

I would like to thank Ms. Nicole Sabatino at the San Diego DAV office, Mission Valley CA for listening to me and giving me the most helpful insight on completing my claim. Without her help, I faced an uphill battle with a reduction in rating from the VA. Without even asking, Ms. Sabitino in my opinion went above and beyond by keeping me informed about my claim and even reviewed my record for additional disability in service connections. Extremely professional, attentive and I was impressed at what an awesome job she did, and the level of thoroughness is amazing. I would recommend Ms. Sabitino to anyone seeking help in completing a claim. Well deserving of more than five stars. read more

DAV claims to want to help Vets, but doesn't want to fight for anything. I came to them 15 years ago to get help with my VA claims. They said there was no hope or ability for them to help. I fought it myself and got the 100% T&P. Myself, without their help. I then started to push people towards them for their claims help. They were always denied and refused help as well. So I did their cases myself as well. Won each case within the year that I got them. I'm not even a lawyer and I'm winning cases for other people while DAV refuses to help them because it's too much time and effort for them to help. I reached back out to DAV again to get help with my own education side for the VA, but again, denied and told they couldn't do anything. It seems that DAV has gotten too big for it's own good and they don't really help people in need. They only help when it's positive for their image. read more

I cannot give enough stars to show proper appreciation for the assistance I received at the San Diego Mission Valley DAV office. It started with the friendly greeting from Barbara at the reception desk. Even though I didn't have an appointment she was able to fit me in for a consultation. Mr. Ramos was informative and totally knowledgeable concerning benefits and the procedures necessary to properly file a claim. This is the "go to" office for any Veteran needing professional information and help in obtaining VA benefits. read more

David S. I just want to say that the people at the DAV office are the best in San Diego. I started my claim in 2021 with Nicole Sabatino in the Mission Valley Office. Nicole took care of everything for me. All the paperwork, appointments, all of it. She even helped me with writing my Statement in Support of Claim. The VA denied my 1st application for benefits, but Nicole encouraged me to keep trying, and as a result my 2nd application was just approved resulting in my approval for a 100% Disability Rating. Thank you Nicole! read more

Only one person out of three showed that they were there to help. The other two didn't even bother to read my file. Pure disappointment. Would not recommend them at all. read more

San Diego Mission Valley DAV office was outstanding and helpful staff! Barbara took care of my appointments very well. Mr. Roque Blas was a very knowledgeable advisor. Took care of my paperwork and made sure that all my evidence was uploaded for my VA claim. Very easy to talk to and listener. Him and also Leroy made my claim very smooth. Just listening to their advice brought me to my goal for my rating :) Thank you Barbara, Leroy, Roque, and to the whole DAV staff!! SALUTE! HOOYAH! read more

What a mess of an organization.. I have been a life member for over a year, I barely know what this company does besides take your claim for disabilities and submit it to the VA. I have been passed around to 4 or more representatives that end up just giving up on me not to mention a few of them are super rude. They won't be checking over the claim to make sure it's good to go. They won't check on you. They won't check the progress of a claim let alone check the customer after a huge claim has been shut down. BUT they will continually text and email you asking for money. I wish I could have a refund of the $300 that went probably no where. Just spend the $12k on a real lawyer for some one to give a crap about you. read more

Worked with Nicole Sabatino and she was amazing from the start! She shows a real passion for helping veterans and can relate to my personal military experiences. She broke down the process of submitting a BDD claim and ensured I was well prepared with my records and kept me on target. Couldn't have asked for a better help. Highly recommend her. read more

Incredible dedicated staff - they have transformed 100's probably 1000's of San Diego veterans' lives helping them obtain well earned benefits. read more

I usually go with DAV to donate household goods, toys, clothing, things like that. This time around I actually needed to donate my car and they were really accommodating and helpful. They arranged to have someone come out to my home and pick it up the next day! Everyone I spoke with was super friendly and professional both over the phone and in person. Their website has most of the information about vehicle donations and what isn't online I was able to get answers for over the phone. The gentleman who came to pick up my car was really nice and he called me to let me know when he would be here, and he showed up exactly when he said he would be here, nothing like those cable dudes. I didn't waste any time waiting around. Originally when they had scheduled the donation appointment I was given a two hour window, but he called and said he would be here at 8 am and he was here at precisely 8 am, I was impressed. I just had to fill out a little paperwork and a couple minutes later I said goodbye to the old car forever. DAV made it easy peasy, I'd definitely use them again in the future. read more

My deceased mother was alive she received unsolicited mailed from DAV. She never gave any money to this group. In January 2021, she passed and I had her mail forwarded to me, her son. I started to receive mailings in her name to my residence. I called DAV 5 times to stop these solicitations always with the promise that some faceless customer service person would stop the mailings. Yesterday (9 months after my Mom died), I got another mailing. I called this morning (#6) to stop this stuff. A warning to you all, if you ever give DAV a dime, they will pursue for more even after YOU HAVE DIED. read more

Came on time and picked up donations we had set aside for them also took an extra stand up chair with no questions asked

I agree the DAV is useless. This call back appointment system is useless because they rush you off the phone, won't listen to details. I filed, followed up, and obtained all the documents and evidence on my own. The few times I did call them for information I actually had more info than them..DAV is the biggest scam going. I hate to say it but I'm assuming unless you are completely disabled i.e. TBI or multiple amputee you're not going to find much if any help with this organization..YouTube has been far more help than DAV. Good luck to you all. I was recently awarded 90% no thanks at all to DAV. Just remember and with heavy heart I say this, the VA is the enemy and the DAV is their allie read more

I have changed my opinion since last time. They picked my case and I found answers. They resolve my issue and did their diligence in my case. I was a little communication but I guess it wasn't need since they was working in my case. I'm so thankful for their help. read more

As a Vietnam veteran I have dealt with the local VA, American Legion and now with my local DAV. Out of those three the DAV is by far the best and most efficient of them all. Their staff speaks to you, the individual, and does not have the condescending manner of the local VA and their bureaucratic B.S. The DAV staff greet you upon entrance and it only gets better from there. Their approach is totally different than our local VA where you are treated as a number and a possible terrorist threat. Enough beating up the VA but my experience with the DAV has only been positive. Kudoos to the staff and administrators of our local DAV. read more

I am a service officer volunteer at my local chapter and we keep growing. It gives me purpose in life and it helps a lot of veterans. If one DAV can not help you, find another one, they are all over the states. read more

I went in for a appointment for Voc rehab. I went through the orientation seen a counselor. The counselor talked to me and by the way very condescending. This person from mound every excuse not to entitle me and in a very educated way called me and idiot and how did you get your BA. I felt belittled needless to say I have high disability rating they were all up in my business about my injuries. I was also told that an MBA workday hurt me in the long run. I felt very bad when I left, these offices programs are designed to help veterans not turn them away. The counselor continued to harp on my assessment like I was stupid. So at the I felt I wasted my time the office was very rude to me and others. Yet one of the applicant had a lesser rating but got entitled mmmm how did that happen. read more

I went into the office to check on something but had the rudest reception ever. First she wanted me to talk from behind another veteran and I couldn't because of damaged vocal cords. I handed her an explanation and that I had two days left. She asked where were you the other 88 days? If she had read the paper she would have seen the time was spent dawdling in a VA hospital bed and immobile at home. I had tried to call for two weeks to get an appointment but only busy signals. I pointed it out to her and she said we're busy here. While I was in line the phone was quiet so I called and got a busy signal but she wouldn't listen. I left as I've had two heart attacks and didn't want a third. I'd give a zero but it makes you mark a star. read more

This organization has a good purpose, but lacks the business acumen to help their clients. Like any other government employees, the bare minimum seems to be the level at which they operate. I call almost everyday asking for a return phone call. When you call their main number, you go through a receptionist that tells you your rep is with a client. The nearest appointment is two weeks out, and scheduling one is unnecessary if you are trying to get ONE question answered. After trying to reschedule a compensation physical for one and a half months, I received a phone call from Tony, my rep, and after telling him what's new with my status, he hangs up on me. I still haven't a call back from him and now I have to call him on Monday to start the process over. No wonder why people hate the VA. Aren't these people supposed to be helping us? read more

After my appointment they said everything is set up and I just need to wait for a response from the VA, despite the fact that they treated me very superficial and I had my doubts I said ok. A few months passed by without receiving a call for my medical appointment, I called them to ask about the status of my claim and mr X was very aggressive on the phone and told me he deals only with medical appointments(doh) and he cannot help me. In the end I received a letter from the VA saying that I am missing a few forms. I did the research on my own, sent the docs, got my appointment and a few weeks later a favorable decision. Make sure you guys verify everything because nobody gives a.. read more

Got a statement of the case with a partial grant. Basically what I was going for except the back pay only went back from the last date of my C&P Exam. read more

This review is for a national officer more than to DAV itself which is what they assign you to help with your VA claim. I am a fiancé to a disabled veteran. I am legally authorized in the VA system as my fiancé's representative. He was assigned to a National Officer Nancy to help us in handling his disability claim. Before that, his previous National Officer was great. He was in great communication and we were clear on everything. Unfortunately being reassigned to Nancy was, to say the least despicable and unacceptable. In the one conversation I had with her, treated me terribly on the phone as if I had no right to be speaking to her on behalf of my fiancé. The worst of it was after she thought she had hung up the phone, both my fiancé and I stayed on the phone to hear her disrespectfully talking to other people in this office and mocking me. She accused my fiancé, the veteran of lying about his disability claims and was mocking the way I talked and how I referred to him as "babe and ended with calling me a "F ing Cunt." This disrespect of our veterans and veterans' families should not be tolerated and is beyond shameful. This is supposed to be an organization that supports Veterans when this lady who is in such a high position is treating them in this way. The supervisor Jim also never returned my call to file complaint about her. Nancy's title of Jr. Vice Commander makes it even more unacceptable and shameful. The next National officer we were assigned is great. Nancy is a shameful name unacceptable representation for his organization or any organization at that especially one that is to help our vulnerable disabled veterans. read more

Me: Good Morning, do I need an appointment to speak to someone? DAV: since 2014 Me: well I guess I'll make an appointment then, thank you! Top Notch, No questions exceptional Customer Service! read more

I joined the DAV at Mission Valley after just stopping by to ask a question. I really did not intend to make them my "Advocate" or "POA" as it is called, but they signed me up when I stopped by to ask a question. A little later I went down the hallway to the Purple Heart Agency and thought that they were far more informed about the process of assisting Vets thru the paperwork and giving guidance. However, to my dismay it was pointed out that the DAV was officially my POA (Power of Attorney) and that Purple Heart could not be used to help me. Also, a friend of mine who had waited in the seating area and not really talked to anyone was placed on the list as having selected the DAV as his POA. He was furious since he preferred the Purple Heart Agency but was told it was set in stone and could not be changed. My main complaint is that there appears to be some sort of a "numbers game" going on here and that the DAV is looking to "hook" as many Vets as they possibly can into their organization whether or not you actually wish to use the DAV. To me just stopping by to ask a single question does not constitute actually giving permission to the DAV to become my POA. Beware that there are possible funding issues that are pushing this organization to get as many Vets as possible in their ranks so that they can push for more funding from the Government by showing false numbers. read more

I disagree with the previous two ratings. Although I certainly do think that the Service Organizations in San Diego are overwhelmed, I do think that they are very helpful to me. And I don't think that my DAV life membership was a waste of money either. In my case, I reluctantly contacted DAV at the urging of my retired Warrant Officer neighbor after I retired from the Navy. I didn't have any specific concerns at the time, and I didn't want to waste the VA's time on my "little" issues. I was no sick bay commando while I was on active duty, but the DAV Service Rep reviewed my medical records and found several things that were potentially worthy of compensation. I submitted a claim and several months later I was surprised to learn that it was adjudicated at 30%. As a retiree, that didn't amount to much of a benefit as they reduced my retirement by whatever the disability benefit was and replaced it with the VA compensation. The real benefit was that the VA compensation was not taxable. Several years down the line I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Luckily I had been hospitalized while on active duty and experienced an episode of a-fib back then. I submitted a second claim, again with the assistance of the DAV, and was subsequently rated at 50%. 50% is a magic number for retirees, as that is the point at which one can receive both full retirement pay and VA disability compensation concurrently. Later still, it was decided that I needed a defibrillator (AICD) implant for my heart condition. Because of my previous dealings with the San Diego DAV, I was aware of the VA disability rating schedule http://www.benefits.va.gov/warms/bookc.asp I reviewed the disability rating schedule, and lo and behold, AICD implants are rated at 100%. This time, because I had already been through the claims process twice and everything was very well documented, I decided to go it alone. I submitted my claim, sat back and waited- and waited. Did I mention I had to wait? Finally, 15 months later I received the good news that my case had been adjudicated and that my new award level was 100% service-connected. I felt like I hit the jackpot! DAV and the VA have both been very good to me, but I suspect that is because I have also been good to them. Yeah I had to wait, and the waiting period got longer each time. But I also submitted well-documented, verifiable claims and didn't hold any unrealistic expectations. And I was patient. I understood that at the time there were two wars going on and that there are many people in line, including many whose need far exceeded mine. To all of my fellow service members who are suffering from service-connected injuries and illnesses, good luck and God Bless you all. To our brothers and sisters in arms who are still on active duty, I offer one piece of advice that I wish I had known while I was still in. Don't be a sick bay commando, but if you really do have something wrong with you go to medical and get it documented. Even if you snore too much go- you may have sleep apnea, which is a VA ratable condition. Thanks to all veterans and active duty members for your dedicated service to our great country. read more

I was injured at drill in the army reserves. I spoke with a representative here for 15 minutes where he specifically told me that law forbids me from receiving disability compensation and that my application would be turned down repeatedly. He also suggested I try to become activated "to get a DD214" and complain about everything I can while activated. This is what va.gov says: (http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/benefits_chap09.asp) " Disability Benefits VA pays monthly compensation benefits for disabilities incurred or aggravated during active duty, or active duty for training for disabilities as a result of injury or disease, or inactive duty training for disabilities due to injury, heart attack, or stroke. Additionally, the discharge must be under other than dishonorable conditions. For additional information see Chapter 2, "Service-connected Disabilities." " and myarmybenefits.us.army.mil: (http://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Home/Benefit_Library/Federal_Benefits_Page/Veterans_Disability_Compensation.html?serv=228) " The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays monthly Veterans Disability Compensation to Veterans who have a service-connected disability. The Veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and the disability must not have resulted from the Veteran's willful misconduct. Compensation may be paid for disability as the result of any disease or injury incurred or aggravated by federal active service or any period of active duty for training. Compensation may also be paid for a disability incurred by injury or covered disease - cerebrovascular accident (stroke), myocardial infarction, or cardiac arrest - incurred during inactive duty for training (drilling). " So, I was flat out given misinformation by this individual (far right cubicle from entering the DAV office at the regional VA office) and told to get activated solely for the purpose of misrepresenting my injuries. Every soldier hears horror stories about interacting with the VA. But, who'd have guessed advocates like these could be as bad or worse? read more

The staff at DAV was great from the moment I walked in the lady at the front desk was friendly. After being said I would have to come backin two weeks, she quickly was able to expedite me to the next day. Came back, I was assisted quickly and brought all needed documentation. I was there no more than 15-20 minutes and was out the door. Quick and easy! read more

I needed help filing a claim with the VA one of my coworkers told me to call DAV I made an appointment and went in there and the DAV representative who helped me was very knowledgeable and cared about what I was talking about. Thank You read more

DAV located at the VA Mission Valley Clinic has been very helpful to me for many years. I developed a very serious illness while on Active Duty which then led to a very complicated surgery. Two years after surgery, I retired from Active Duty while still on limited duty and the DAV immediately started helping me with filing my disability claim. They have always been very helpful and polite. I was initially rated at 40% which has been raised with the help of the DAV. Keep in mind that they can only do so much so if you are one of those tough people who refuse to go to medical when you are actually sick then your chances of getting a favorable decision from the VA is minimal. Don't hibernate in medical, but do go and get treated when you are sick or injured so it is well documented in your medical record. read more