Community Outreach and Regional Engagement
Request MVAA at Your Next Event
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A. The MVAA website at www.michigan.gov/mvaa has a wealth of information for veterans seeking health care information. By clicking on the link above and then clicking on the “Health Care” icon at the top of the page you will learn how to obtain your VA electronic medical records, caregiver resources, enroll in VA, what Michigan offers veterans as it pertains to long term care, access to mental health resources, who to contact if you have experienced military sexual trauma, a list of service-connected presumptive conditions, information on the Governors’ Suicide Prevention Challenge initiative, traumatic brain injury information and how to be connected with a Veteran Navigator to assist you with any mental health crisis.
A: Make sure you have your DD214 and connect with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) to learn about VA benefits and programs. Reaching out to Military OneSource (https://www.militaryonesource.mil/) is also beneficial when transitioning out of the military. Another valuable resource is our WhyMi app, which includes a real-time job board and other resources for transitioning service members and is free to download from the App Store or Google Play. And, of course, you can always call us at 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) and one of our knowledgeable technicians can walk you through next steps as your transition out of military life.
A. For direct support for National or Air Guard personnel, call 1-800-MICH-VET and select option 2. Current and former members of the Selected Reserve who served on active duty may establish veteran status and may therefore be eligible for VA benefits, depending on the length of active military service and the character of discharge or release. Members of the National Guard activated for federal service during a period of war or domestic emergency may be eligible for certain VA benefits, such as VA health care, compensation for injuries or conditions connected to that service and burial benefits. Activation for other than federal service does not qualify Guard members for all VA benefits. Title 38, Section 3.7 of the Code of Federal Regulations identifies individuals and groups considered to have performed active military, naval, or air service.
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and New Dawn (OND) veterans: VA provides five years of free health care for veterans who served in certain combat locations during active military service, beginning on the date of separation from active duty. This benefit covers all illnesses and injuries except those clearly unrelated to active military service. For more information, call 1-877-222-8387. Every VA medical center has a team standing ready to welcome OEF/OIF/OND returning service members and to help coordinate their care.
The VA also encourages veterans and service members who believe they may have been exposed to toxins or certain vaccinations with side effects to receive a voluntary medical assessment that will help the VA track data on veterans’ health. Visit the Military Exposure Registry Examination Program website for more information.
A. The application for disability compensation can be completed in several ways. However, the application process is complex, and we recommend you obtain assistance from an accredited Veteran Service Officer (such as an MVAA, county or coalition VSO) to file a comprehensive, accurate claim. You may apply directly without the assistance of a Veteran Service Officer. The quickest route to do so is by registering for an eBenefits account (a comprehensive, individualized site to access your benefits and applications). Note that the application will require access to discharge or separation papers, medical evidence, and dependency records.
A. GI Bill or education benefits information can be found on the MVAA education tab at: https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa/education
For Michigan’s Veteran Friendly Schools dashboard: https://michiganvets.force.com/veteranfriendlyschools/s/dashboard
For Michigan National Guard members: https://www.michigan.gov/dmva/about/mingstap
A. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by calling 988 and pressing 1. You can also text “838255” for a confidential chat or visit Chat (veteranscrisisline.net) to chat online.
A. If you are having temporary financial issues and require assistance with utility bills, vehicle or home repairs, medical bills or other debts, please contact MVAA at 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) or fill out and submit an resource assistance form.
A: There are several options.
1. Visit the MVAA website: This link will take you to a web form which you can submit directly to our technicians for processing. If we do not have the requested DD214, an SF180 will be sent. If you need an NGB22, we will send an NGB22 request form by email.
2. Find a Veteran Service Officer in your County at https://www.michigan.gov/mvaa/county-filter-search-locations#g=42.5728867|-84.4382721&o=Distance%2CAscending
3. Contact the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) in St. Louis at https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records. There may be a fee if you request your entire military record.