Rocky Mountain Veterans Advocacy Project Receives $205,000 to Enhance Legal Aid for Colorado Veterans

Enhancing Legal Support for Colorado Veterans

The Rocky Mountain Veterans Advocacy Project (RMVAP) has recently announced a significant donation of $205,000 from Philip Morris International's U.S. businesses. This funding is set to expand the legal services RMVAP provides to veterans across Colorado, addressing critical needs such as securing disability compensation and pursuing discharge upgrades. The initiative aims to assist up to 800 veterans in 2026, with the ambitious goal of recovering an estimated $25 million in benefits for veterans and their families.

Brad Cummings, the founder and board chair of RMVAP, emphasized the crucial role this funding plays in helping veterans navigate the often complex process of accessing their earned benefits. He stated, “Too many veterans are forced to fight a second battle when trying to access benefits they've already earned.” This financial boost not only facilitates outreach services but also helps lessen the barriers many veterans face when seeking support.

Since its inception, RMVAP has proven to be a vital resource for the veteran community. Between October 2024 and October 2025 alone, the organization handled 713 legal matters and managed to recover approximately $22.7 million in benefits for veterans. Notably, over 73% of these cases involved veterans with dependents, underscoring the broad impact of their work, extending support beyond just the individual veterans to encompass their spouses, children, and caregivers.

As part of its mission, RMVAP has served more than 3,000 veterans and has recovered a staggering $78.4 million in lifetime benefits since its founding. This statistic illustrates not only the need for such services but also the effectiveness of RMVAP in securing the benefits veterans have rightfully earned through their service.

Lisa Rechsteiner, Senior Manager at PMI U.S., elaborated on the importance of helping veterans access their benefits, stating, “RMVAP delivers tangible results that improve veterans' health, economic stability, and quality of life.” The funding will support RMVAP's expansion of legal services throughout Colorado, including enhanced operations at the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center in Colorado Springs, a newly established discharge upgrade clinic at the Bill Daniels Veterans Service Clinic in Denver, and continued outreach to veterans living in rural and Tribal communities, including those residing in the Navajo Nation.

One of the distinguishing features of RMVAP’s approach is its blend of direct legal representation and hands-on training for aspiring attorneys, creating a sustainable model designed to invest in future advocates for the veteran community. The organization collaborates with academic partners such as the University of Denver, University of Colorado Boulder, and the University of Wyoming, providing law students with invaluable practical experience while also expanding access to essential legal services for current veterans.

In summary, the recent funding secured by the Rocky Mountain Veterans Advocacy Project marks a pivotal step in amplifying its mission to serve veterans and military service members across Colorado. With increased resources, RMVAP is poised to enhance its outreach and support, ensuring that no veteran faces the challenges of securing their benefits alone. Their commitment to empowering those who’ve served with hope for a brighter future, fortified by rightful access to earned benefits, remains a testament to the vital work conducted within our communities.

For further information, visit RMVAP's official website.