Wounded Warrior Project's Impact

Benefits Delivery at Discharge Allows Active-Duty Service Members to Get a Head Start on VA Claims

The VA’s Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program allows injured active-duty service members to apply for VA disability compensation benefits 180 to 90 days before separation. During this time, VA can review medical records, schedule mandatory exams, and evaluate claims. That way, when the service member provides discharge paperwork, like their DD214, a lot of the legwork that goes into a VA claim is already complete.

Taking on Trauma: What Loved Ones Need to Know About Secondary PTSD

Jenna Malone was helping her husband Issac navigate his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when she began to notice her behavior changing. Eventually, Jenna learned she was experiencing secondary trauma symptoms – also known as indirect trauma. These symptoms affect family members and caregivers of veterans managing PTSD.

Wounded Warrior Project Continues to Adapt as Veterans’ Needs Evolve

The needs of the post-9/11 veteran community are vast, and WWP™ is continuously working to meet these needs with an emphasis on mental health, physical health and wellness, financial readiness, connection, and advocacy. WWP has served nearly 2 million veterans and their families as of the end of fiscal year 2023. Here’s a look at the evolution of some life-changing programs and services WWP provides.

“We Signed Up, Too” – Lessons Learned as a Military Child

Growing up as the daughter of an Air Force veteran wounded in service, Sinaiyah Emami, 15, often took pen to paper to capture her feelings. After a particularly stressful time in mid-2023, the aspiring journalist began to wonder if she could use her writing to raise awareness of the invisible wounds many service members return home with and the effect they can have on their families.

Helping Warriors Find Hope and Purpose: Meet Wounded Warrior Project CEO Walter E. Piatt

The dedication and commitment to serve others runs deep for Army Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walter E. Piatt, who became chief executive officer at Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) on March 18, 2024. Walt enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17 upon the advice of his father, a steel mill worker in western Pennsylvania. For 42 years, he guided and cared for troops and ensured their families were supported – all while protecting the country and the freedoms Americans deserve.