Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

What Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs does

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) is a cabinet-level state government agency, established in 1941 and elevated to cabinet status in 2003, headquartered at 602 North 5th Street in Baton Rouge. The department delivers veterans services across Louisiana through a network of more than 84 locations, comprising 74 parish service offices, five veterans homes (753 total beds in Jackson, Monroe, Bossier City, Reserve, and Jennings), five veterans cemeteries (Leesville, Rayville, Keithville, Slidell, and Jennings), and campus-based LaVetCorps navigators at public and private colleges. Its service portfolio spans VA-accredited federal claims filing (compensation, pension, education, burial), appeals representation before the Board of Veterans Appeals, state benefits administration (property tax exemption, hunting/fishing licenses, state parks access), Title 29 in-state tuition exemption, GI Bill certification through the State Approving Agency covering ~260 facilities, the Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal program, Military Family Assistance Fund grants of up to $10,000, 24/7 crisis support routed through 988, and veteran employment services in coordination with the Louisiana Workforce Commission.

The department is funded through a $93 million annual operating budget composed largely of federal VA appropriations, supplemented by veterans home fees ($2,424-$5,500/month depending on rating and resident category), and private donations to the Military Family Assistance Fund. It brings in over $196 million in federal VA education dollars annually to Louisiana through GI Bill and related programs. Leadership is vested in Secretary Charlton J. Meginley, Col (Ret), USAF, appointed in 2024 by Governor Jeff Landry, supported by Deputy Secretary Dr. Jerome L. Buller and Undersecretary John C. Phillips. The department operates as the exclusive state-level liaison to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and partners with Louisiana Economic Development, the Louisiana National Guard, federal VA Medical Centers, and national Veteran Service Organizations (DAV, VFW, American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart). The parent entity is the State of Louisiana.

LDVA does not operate proprietary technology systems; it relies on standard government IT infrastructure for case management, claims processing, and a multilingual public website (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Vietnamese). Pricing for core services is universally free or subsidized, with veterans rated 70%+ service-connected residing in veterans homes at no charge. The customer base is the 261,000+ Louisiana veteran population and their dependents, a structurally captive and geographically distributed constituency served across all 64 parishes.

Name

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

Legal name

Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

Website

https://vetaffairs.la.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

1941

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is a state cabinet-level agency that delivers VA-accredited federal claims filing, long-term care at five veterans homes (753 beds), five veterans cemeteries, education benefits administration, crisis support, and financial assistance to over 261,000 Louisiana veterans and their families across 84+ parish locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Veterans Affairs Services

NAICS

Administration of Veterans' Affairs (923140), Administration of Veterans' Affairs (92314), Home Health Care Services (621610)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Veterans Affairs & Military Family Services (BPAIAHAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Veterans & Military Family Benefits Administration (BPAIAKAI), Veterans/Military Hospitals & Federal Health Systems (HLAFAAAH)

Keywords

• Veterans benefits assistance
• Long-term care services
• Veterans burial services
• Veterans education benefits
• Veteran employment services

Headquarters

HQ city

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. State Budget Appropriation: State-funded operations with $93 million budget composed largely of federal funding, supporting benefits administration, long-term care, cemeteries, and educational programs.
2. Federal VA Funding: Federal funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for processing claims, education benefits (GI Bill), and cemetery operations. The department brings in over $196 million in federal VA dollars annually through education programs.
3. Veterans Homes Fees: Veterans homes charge monthly fees: $2,424 for veterans with service-connected rating below 70%, and $5,500 for spouses and Gold Star parents. Veterans with 70%+ rating live free of charge. These fees supplement operational costs.
4. Military Family Assistance Fund Donations: The MFA fund is funded by private donations from individuals and corporations, with funds providing up to $10,000 in financial assistance to eligible veterans and military families.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is a state cabinet-level government department that provides free federal VA claims filing assistance through 74 parish service offices, long-term nursing care at five state veterans homes (753 combined beds), burial services at five veterans cemeteries, education benefits including GI Bill certification and Title 29 tuition exemption, the Military Family Assistance Fund providing up to $10,000 in emergency financial aid, and veteran employment services. The department operates as the primary state liaison between Louisiana's 261,000+ veterans and the federal VA, supported by an $93 million budget and 850-person workforce.

Product overview

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs (LDVA) operates as a state government department providing a comprehensive suite of veteran services rather than a commercial product. The organization offers Veterans Assistance Counselors (VACs) at 74 parish service offices who file federal VA claims, five veterans homes with long-term care facilities (total capacity 753 beds), five veterans cemeteries, education benefits including Title 29 in-state tuition exemption and GI Bill certification, the Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal recognition program, Military Family Assistance Fund (up to $10,000 in financial aid), veteran employment services, and appeals representation for federal VA decisions. The department serves Louisiana's more than 261,000 veterans and their families through federal-state partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• State Benefits Services State-level benefits for Louisiana veterans including property tax exemption, disabled veteran parking, auto insurance discounts, driver's license designations, hunting/fishing licenses, and state parks passes.
• Federal Benefits Filing Assistance VA-accredited veterans assistance counselors who file compensation, pension, education, and burial benefit claims on behalf of Louisiana veterans with the federal VA, free of charge.
• Title 29 In-State Tuition Exemption Louisiana's in-state tuition exemption providing educational benefits for children, spouses, and surviving spouses of eligible veterans, serving 4,200+ veteran dependents.
• GI Bill Certification Services State Approving Agency services that certify educational facilities for GI Bill eligibility, with nearly 260 active facilities in Louisiana serving over 10,700 veterans and dependents and bringing $196 million in federal VA dollars to the state annually.
• Veterans Homes (Long-Term Care) Five veterans homes across Louisiana providing long-term care including the Louisiana Veterans Home (129 beds), Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home (156 beds), Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home (156 beds), Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home (156 beds), and Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home (156 beds), with 24/7 RN coverage, pharmacy, dietary, social work, and memory care services.
• Veterans Cemeteries Five state veterans cemeteries offering burial services at no cost for eligible veterans with spouses and dependents interred for a nominal fee, including Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemeteries.
• Louisiana Veterans Honor Medal Medal awarded to Louisiana veterans with ribbons indicating status: blue for honorable discharge, purple for Purple Heart, black for POW, and yellow for killed in action.
• Military Family Assistance Fund Need-based financial assistance up to $10,000 per 12-month period for eligible veterans and Louisiana National Guard or Reserves members for housing, utilities, medical services, and essential expenses, funded by private donations.
• Veteran Employment Services Employment resources connecting veterans with job opportunities through partnerships with Louisiana Workforce Commission, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program, Local Veteran Employment Representatives, and national programs like Feds Hire Vets and Hiring Our Heroes.
• Appeals Representation Appeals paralegals assist veterans with appeals pending before the federal VA's Board of Veterans Appeals, including representation at hearings.
• LaVetCorps Navigator Program Navigators stationed at public and private college and university campuses across Louisiana to assist veterans and veteran dependents with campus resources, VA services, and community support.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $196 million in federal VA education dollars brought to Louisiana annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• U.S. Department of Veterans AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe LDVA operates as the state-level liaison to the federal VA, with VA-accredited counselors filing claims on behalf of Louisiana veterans. The partnership includes federal funding for operations, education benefits (GI Bill), and cemetery grants. The federal VA's National Cemetery Administration provides grants for cemetery expansion.
• Louisiana Economic DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for veteran entrepreneurship programs including PAVE (Pathway to Assist Veteran Entrepreneurs) and Veterans First Business Initiative. LED provides resources for veteran-owned businesses and state procurement opportunities through Hudson Initiative and Veteran Initiative.
• Louisiana Workforce CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint employment services through Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) and Local Veteran Employment Representative (LVER) providing case management and employer outreach for veteran job seekers.
• Federal VA Medical CenterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLDVA refers veterans to three VA medical centers in Louisiana: Alexandria VA Medical Center, Southeast Louisiana Healthcare System (New Orleans), and Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (Shreveport). Also refers to community-based outpatient clinics (CBOC) and vet centers.
• AMVETSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAMVETS donated Carillon Bell Towers to multiple Louisiana veterans cemeteries (Central, Northeast, and Southeast) at both state and national levels.
• Hero's FarewellminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated Memorial Circle features including benches, engraved brick walkway, and the bronze Global War on Terrorism Battlefield Cross monument at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.
• Knights of ColumbusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDonated the peaceful fountain located next to the committal shelter at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.
• George B. Franklin Jr. FamilyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGenerous donation of 52 acres of land for the establishment of Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.
• Herbert Hayes FamilyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLarge donation establishing the Herbert Hayes Heroes Fund for cemetery landscaping needs at Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.
• Louisiana Military Family Assistance Fund BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBoard reviews applications for MFA financial assistance up to $10,000 for eligible veterans and military families. Board includes representatives from Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, State Senate, National Guard, House of Representatives, and other state agencies.
• Veteran Service OrganizationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLDVA works with DAV, VFW, American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Marine Corps League, and others. These organizations are represented on the Veterans Affairs Commission and help advocate for veterans.
• Louisiana National GuardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for LANG member benefits including disability benefits, state death benefits, and eligibility for MFA Fund. LANG claims processed through dedicated email ([email protected]).

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs: State-level agency administering veterans benefits, claims assistance, and state veterans homes in Florida. Comparable scope of services and cabinet-level organizational structure to LDVA.
• Texas Veterans Commission: Direct state-level counterpart providing claims assistance, state benefits administration, and veteran employment services across Texas. Operates a similar state cabinet-level structure with parish/regional equivalents.
• California Department of Veterans Affairs: Direct state-level counterpart administering veterans benefits, state veterans homes, and cemeteries in California. Operates one of the largest state veterans home networks in the U.S. and shares LDVA's service model.

Broad incumbents

• National Cemetery Administration: Federal sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operating national veterans cemeteries. Provides grants for Louisiana's state veterans cemeteries and serves as the federal benchmark awarding LDVA's Operational Excellence Awards.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Federal counterpart providing nationwide veterans benefits, healthcare, and cemetery services. LDVA operates as the state-level liaison to the federal VA, channeling federal benefits to Louisiana veterans through VA-accredited counselors.
• Brookdale Senior Living: Largest U.S. senior living and skilled nursing operator. Represents the private-sector alternative to LDVA's veterans homes, charging $6,000-$7,000/month versus LDVA's $2,424/month, providing context for LDVA's cost-efficiency value proposition.

Others

• American Legion: Largest U.S. veterans service organization providing benefits assistance and advocacy. LDVA works directly with American Legion for veteran referrals and represents a key VSO partnership channel.
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV): National veterans service organization providing free claims assistance and representation. LDVA partners with DAV for referrals and collaborative advocacy for Louisiana veterans.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): Major congressionally chartered veterans service organization providing claims assistance and advocacy. VFW is a core LDVA partner represented on the Veterans Affairs Commission.

Emerging players

• Wounded Warrior Project: Nonprofit organization serving post-9/11 veterans with programs spanning mental health, career counseling, and long-term support. Overlaps with LDVA's veteran outreach and crisis support services for younger veteran populations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lavetaffairs

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs