May 1, 2026
In this episode, we’re coming to you on-location from Annapolis,
Maryland, during the VFW National Veterans Service (NVS)
Proficiency Training Conference alongside Ryan Gallucci, Mike
Figlioli, Chris Macinkowicz and special guest VFW Senior Vice
Commander-in-Chief Cory Geisler. Together, they pull back the
curtain on how the VFW trains and equips its accredited service
officers to better serve veterans navigating the VA claims
process.
The team explores the intensive training that ensures VFW
representatives stay current on evolving laws, court cases, and VA
policies, highlighting how this expertise directly impacts
veterans’ access to earned benefits. They break down common
misconceptions around VA disability claims, including “VA math,”
the Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program, and what the VA
claims backlog actually means.
The conversation also dives into major policy developments
affecting veterans, including new executive actions on alternative
mental health treatments and informed consent, as well as the
rollout of the VA’s electronic health record system and its
implications for continuity of care and claims processing.
Featured Guests:
Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office
Mike Figlioli – Director, VFW National Veterans Service
Chris Macinkowicz – Deputy Director, National Veterans
Service
Cory Geisler – Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, VFW
Links Mentioned:
Episode Highlights:
0:00 Intro and Roll Call
1:34 Inside the NVS Proficiency Training Conference
7:29 Why training and accreditation matter
20:53 Understanding VA math and other common claims questions
31:14 Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD) explained
40:44 What the VA claims backlog really means
44:45 Alternative mental health treatments & informed consent
55:06 VA electronic health record rollout
1:04:56 Claim sharks update – Kansas victory
1:06:20 Good of the Order – Closing reflections
