Assistance with Veterans Affairs

If you are having a problem with an issue relating to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), my office may be able to help.

Some examples of situations my office may be able to help with are: obtaining medals or ribbons, obtaining military records and checking the status of a claim for benefits.

In order for my office to make an inquiry with the VA, you must first fill out the privacy release form authorizing myself or my staff to receive information on your behalf. You can access a privacy release form online, or by contacting my district office, if you would like it mailed to you. Once you have filled out the privacy release form, you can mail, fax, or drop it off to my district office in Roseville:

Congressman Sander Levin
27085 Gratiot Avenue., Suite C
Roseville, MI 48066
(586) 498-7123 (Fax)

Veteran Affairs Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I contact local Department of Veterans Affairs offices?

Detroit Regional Office
Department of Veterans Affairs
Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building
477 Michigan Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
Telephone # 1-800-827-1000

John D. Dingell VA Medical Center
4646 John R.
Detroit, MI 48201
Telephone # 313-576-1000 or 1-800-511-8056
Fax # 313-576-1025

Q. Can your office assist me with obtaining the medals and ribbons I was awarded for my service but never received?

A. Yes. If you would like to receive medals and ribbons that you are awarded and did not receive or need replaced, my office will submit an offiicial request to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri. The NPRC will verify the awards to which a veteran is entitled and forward the request with the verification to the appropriate service department for issuance of the medals.

Q. Can your office assist me with obtaining a copy of my DD214 and other military records?

A. Yes. My office can submit an official request to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis, Missouri to receive your DD214 and other military records if they are available.

Q. How do I file a claim for VA benefits?

A. To file a claim for benefit, I strongly suggest that you seek assistance from a Veterans Service Organization (VSO). VSO's are in place to help veterans and their families identify, apply for and maintain veterans benefits. Thay provide this service free of charge. Additionally,  you can apply for benefits online. For further information about applying for benefits, please visit www.vbs.va.gov. 

Q. Can your office assist with getting my claim for benefits or an appeal processed faster?

A. My office can make an inquiry with the VA on your behalf to check the status of a claim for benefits and request any additional information that is available. The VA will provide a response and keep my office updated throughout the process. It is important to note that my office does not have any decision making authority, and the VA has complete discretion concerning decisions on individual cases.

Q. Are there any transportation services for veterans that you are aware of?

A. Yes. Both Macomb and Oakland County Veterans Services provide some transportation to certain VA Medical facilities. Below is information on how to contact your county Veteran’s Services office:

Macomb County Veteran’s Services

21885 Dunham, Suite 3
Clinton Township, MI 48036
(586) 469-5315
(586) 469-5316

Oakland County Veteran’s Services

Pontiac Office
North Office Building 26 East
1200 North Telegraph
Pontiac, Michigan, 48341
248-858-0785

Southeast Oakland
1151 Crooks Road
Troy, Michigan, 48084
248-655-1250
 

(Updated July 27, 2012)