National Association for Black Veterans, Inc.

The National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. (NABVETS) is a nationally certified Veterans Service Organization and a recognized United States Department of Veterans Affairs claims representative. Founded in 1969 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by seven Black Vietnam combat veterans, the organization was initially known as the Interested Veterans of the Central City (IVOCC). It reorganized in 1973 to focus on addressing issues concerning Black and other minority veterans.

Mission and Vision

NABVETS' mission includes providing strategic advocacy on behalf of its members with various government bodies and organizations. It offers personal advocacy for veterans seeking claims against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, supports youth and family empowerment, and fosters community development. The organization aims to create positive lifestyles for veterans and preserve historical records, particularly of minority veterans.

NABVETS envisions becoming the premier professional organization representing the interests of Black veterans worldwide, with a goal of reaching 50% of the national and international Black veteran population. It seeks to establish chapters in every city with a population greater than 250,000 and emphasize services for younger veterans and low-income individuals.

Services and Activities

• Claims Assistance: NABVETS provides free benefits claims assistance to all veterans, regardless of race or affiliation. It works closely with community-based organizations, government agencies, and veterans’ groups to support veterans in obtaining VA benefits.
• Community Empowerment: The organization is involved in initiatives to end homelessness among veterans, empower low-income and minority veterans, and offer transitional and permanent housing solutions.
• Health Services: NABVETS offers health counseling services, including PTSD and Agent Orange support, through its IVOCC Behavioral Health Clinic.
• Advocacy: It advocates for amnesty for Vietnam-era veterans and supports incarcerated veterans through holistic services.

Recognition and Outreach

NABVETS was certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1998 for preparing, presenting, and prosecuting claims under VA laws. It has served thousands of veterans, primarily from the Vietnam and post-Vietnam eras, and has assisted in securing over $105 million in VA disability compensation in recent years.

With over 100 chapters across the United States and internationally, including Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, NABVETS works to address the unmet needs of minority and low-income veterans through partnerships with federal, state, and local governments and community organizations. Despite its name, NABVETS is open to serving veterans of all backgrounds, focusing on those who might face barriers in accessing VA benefits and services.