Disabled American Veterans

Based on its 2020 tax return, we calculate that Disabled American Veterans spent 50.2 percent of its $132.5 million budget on overhead. This is higher than our recommended 25 percent overhead spending.

Additionally, Disabled American Veterans used joint cost accounting for 17.9 percent of its budget. While legal, this accounting method can disguise overhead costs as program spending. We recommend that no more than 5 percent of a budget be allocated to joint cost accounting.

Also worth noting, based on its 2020 tax return, Disabled American Veterans has net assets equal to 3.13 times its $132.5 million annual budget. This may be an indication that the group is spending too little of its donations on programs. We recommend net assets exceed no more than 3 years of the group’s annual budget. Read more about our rating system here.

Furthermore, according to the New York Attorney General, the Disabled American Veterans collected $1,716,209.02 in third-party solicitation campaigns between 2015 and 2020, with a net loss of $321,063.45. This means the organization paid a third-party solicitor more than it raised during the solicitation campaigns. Read more here.

We do not recommend giving to the Disabled American Veterans. See our lists of Highly Recommended Charities and Recommended Charities for alternatives.

We are dedicated to one single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.