
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
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 to review The Department Service Officer Appeal Production
From June 1st, 2024, to May 31st, 2025 Veterans Benefits Administration DSO claim work totals:
- Hearings Scheduled – 186
- Success Rate 74.73%
- Retro won $3,400,484.91
- Remand won $1,636,630.01
- Total amount won $5,037,114.92
Click to review The American Legion Code of Procedure for Veteran Service Officers
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.
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.
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.
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.
VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION POINTS OF CONTACT

William A. Genochio III
Department Staff Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Liaison, Veterans Benefits Administration & DSO Coordinator
- 216-522-3504 ext.53746
- william.genochio@va.gov
- genochio@ohiolegion.com

David K Cook Sr.
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission Chairman
- 937-243-2749
- cookong1976@outlook.com
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission Members
DISTRICT 1
Randal P Roberts
DISTRICT 2
Mike Homan
DISTRICT 3
Mike Blackwell
DISTRICT 4
Jerry E Perry
DISTRICT 5
Darell Bishop
DISTRICT 6
David Cook – Chair
DISTRICT 7
John W Tepper
DISTRICT 8
Jeff Holaday
DISTRICT 9
Joseph R Ball
DISTRICT 10
Bob Rhode
DISTRICT 11
Steve Wainwright
DISTRICT 12
Suzette Heller
DISTRICT 13
Leroy Brinkhoff
DISTRICT 14
Bob Carson

