1980s

February 1980
After decades of American Legion pressure and proof, post-traumatic stress disorder is recognized as a psychological diagnosis.

Aug. 26, 1982
The Legion presents a $1 million check to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund for construction of the Wall in Washington, becoming the largest single contributor to the project.

July 21, 1983
The Legion announces its sponsorship of an independent study on the effects of exposure to Agent Orange on Vietnam War veterans. Congress receives the results of the “American Legion-Columbia University Study of Vietnam-era Veterans” in 1989.

Jan. 1, 1989
The Veterans Administration is elevated to Cabinet-level status as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Legion fought hard for the change, arguing that veterans deserve representation at the highest levels of government.

Aug. 31, 1989
In just 60 days, The American Legion completes the collection of more than 1 million signatures on a petition supporting a constitutional amendment to protect the U.S. flag from deliberate acts of desecration, in the aftermath of a Supreme Court decision ruling that such acts are protected under the First Amendment.

Oct. 16, 1989
The long-standing objective of the Legion to improve adjudication procedures for veterans claims is achieved when the U.S. Court of Veterans Appeals becomes operational. 

Oct. 19, 1989
The American Legion National Executive Committee officially re-establishes its Disaster Relief Fund, later the National Emergency Fund, a permanent endowment to provide disaster relief for veterans and American Legion posts.