American Legion – Iowa Department

Veterans · Iowa · Free

Statewide veterans service organization with benefits support, claim assistance, and community programs. American Legion service officers help Iowa fathers who are veterans file VA disability claims, appeal denials, and access state benefits at no cost. Bring DD-214 and any prior claim paperwork when visiting. The Department headquarters is on Lyon Street in Des Moines with posts in most Iowa cities and towns statewide.

Contact & Details

Address: 720 Lyon St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Phone: 515-282-5068

Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

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About Veterans for Fathers

Veteran fathers have access to a parallel system of benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Healthcare is provided through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics; mental health services including PTSD, depression, and family therapy are covered. The VA Crisis Line (dial 988, press 1) is staffed 24/7 by veterans for veterans. Disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and vocational rehabilitation are administered through regional VA offices. State-level Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and state VSO offices — help veterans file benefit claims for free. For family law matters, the VA doesn't provide attorneys, but many state bar associations have veteran legal clinics. This directory includes the VA Crisis Line, regional VA centers, state VSOs, and veteran-specific legal and housing services.

Veterans in Iowa

Iowa district courts hear family cases in all 99 counties, with the Child Support Recovery Unit under the Department of Human Services managing enforcement. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City are the largest metros. Iowa Legal Aid is the statewide LSC-funded program, with every county having a self-represented litigant coordinator.

More Veterans in Iowa

  • Iowa City VA Medical Center — Full-service VA healthcare for Iowa veterans including primary care, specialty medicine, mental health, and inpatient services. Fathers who
  • Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs — State agency providing benefits counseling, advocacy, and support programs for Iowa veterans and their families. Staff help fathers apply fo
  • Veterans Crisis Line – Iowa — Free 24/7 confidential crisis line for veterans, service members, and their families staffed by responders, many with military backgrounds.
  • Iowa Veterans Home – Marshalltown — State-operated veterans home providing residential long-term care, skilled nursing, and domiciliary services for eligible Iowa veterans and
  • DAV Iowa — Disabled American Veterans Iowa chapter providing free benefits assistance, VA claim filing, appeals support, and transportation to VA medic
  • VFW Iowa Department — Veterans of Foreign Wars Iowa Department providing advocacy, benefits assistance, and community support for veterans of combat and overseas

Veterans — Common Questions

What do I do in a crisis?
Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Staffed 24/7 by veterans. Also visit any VA emergency department — you'll be seen regardless of enrollment status.
I'm not enrolled with the VA — can I still get help?
Yes. Visit any VA medical center to enroll. Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for free or low-cost care. Combat veterans within 10 years of separation get enhanced eligibility. Bring your DD-214.
Can the VA help with custody cases?
The VA doesn't provide attorneys for family law, but many state bar associations run free Veteran Legal Clinics. The VA Caregiver Support Program and Vet Centers provide counseling, and Veteran Treatment Courts exist in many jurisdictions for justice-involved vets.
What does a VSO do?
A Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, state VSO) helps veterans file disability compensation claims, pension claims, and appeals for free. They're accredited by the VA and often get better outcomes than self-filed claims. Always use a VSO before paying for a claims agent.