Veteran-focused medical-legal organization expands nationwide telehealth network to help veterans secure timely disability benefits
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In response to the growing challenges veterans face when seeking disability benefits and timely healthcare, Shield of Odin today announced the launch of the National Veterans’ Access Initiative, a nationwide program designed to connect veterans with licensed medical providers, legal documentation experts, and vocational specialists through one unified telehealth platform.
The initiative directly addresses one of the most pressing issues in veterans’ care: the lack of timely, credible medical evidence needed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to process disability claims efficiently.
“Too many veterans are stuck waiting — not because their service is in doubt, but because their cases lack the medical documentation required to move forward,” said Ryan Hawley, Founder and CEO of Shield of Odin. “We built this initiative to ensure that every veteran, regardless of geography or resources, can quickly access the expert evaluations and evidence they need to secure the benefits they’ve earned.”
Bridging the Gap Between Care and Claims
The Shield of Odin National Veterans’ Access Initiative provides veterans across all 50 states with virtual access to:
- Nexus Letters linking medical conditions to service;
- Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) compliant with VA standards;
- Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) and second opinions for complex cases; and
- Vocational assessments demonstrating the impact of service-connected disabilities on employability.
Through this expansion, Shield of Odin aims to assist over 5,000 veterans by the end of 2026, while partnering with veteran nonprofits and advocacy organizations to reach rural and underserved communities.
“The VA system isn’t broken — it’s overloaded,” said Dean Johnston, Chief Operating Officer of Shield of Odin and board member of Heros of the Sea. “The backlog may have improved from its historic highs of nearly 400,000 pending claims, but with more than 190,000 cases still unresolved and average wait times of 12 to 18 months, veterans are still being forced to wait too long. Our initiative helps relieve that burden by ensuring every claim starts with strong medical evidence.”
The Numbers Behind the Crisis
- 190,000+ unresolved claims remain in VA backlog as of May 2025.
- Average processing time: 12–18 months; complex cases often exceed 24 months.
- Denial rate: Nearly 70% of first-time claims rejected due to insufficient evidence.
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Rural veterans: Experience wait times up to 40% longer due to limited examiner access.
(Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Military Times, Federal News Network, VA News)
Beyond Claims: A Mission of Service
While Shield of Odin is best known for its veteran medical-legal services, the company also invests in vocational rehabilitation, mental health screenings, and medical readiness evaluations. It partners with organizations such as Heros of the Sea to provide scholarships, mentorship programs, and community outreach initiatives that assist veterans transitioning to civilian life.
“Our mission goes beyond claims and compensation,” added Hawley. “We’re building a system of care that treats the veteran as a whole — recognizing their service, addressing their health, and supporting their future.”
About Shield of Odin
Shield of Odin is a veteran-focused healthcare and consulting group providing medical-legal services, telehealth evaluations, vocational rehabilitation, and advocacy support for veterans nationwide. Founded on the principles of service, integrity, and accountability, Shield of Odin has helped thousands of veterans navigate the complex VA disability system with evidence-based medical documentation and compassionate guidance.
Learn more at www.shieldofodin.com.
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