Veterans Affairs

Cathy Crane thanks a Vietnam Veteran for his service at an outdoor ceremonyCOVID-19 Update

A reminder of current COVID precautions in place at the Miami VA Healthcare System:

  • Universal Masking is in effect – all personnel on Miami VA grounds at any location must wear an appropriate mask.
  • Physical Distancing is required in all waiting areas, public areas, and workspaces. 
  • Enhanced Screening methods are in place at all entrances to Miami VA facilities. 
  • Virtual care is encouraged whenever clinically appropriate.

Services

The Veterans Affairs Department has eight employees between its Key Largo and Key West offices, providing services to approximately 8,000 full-time and 2,500 seasonal Veterans, military personnel, survivors, dependents, and family members in the Florida Keys. Department staff receives training per the Code of Federal Regulations Title 38, Florida Statute 292.11, and the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Each year the Veterans Affairs Department has more than 18,000 client interactions while providing a wide variety of services.

Monetary Compensation

  • Service-related disabilities
  • Non-service connected pensions
  • Burial benefits
  • Survivor’s benefits
  • Educational and vocational rehabilitation benefits
  • VA home loan eligibility assistance
  • Appeals of any denied benefit

Nonmonetary Benefits

  • Military service medal, decoration, and award issuance or replacement
  • Military service records or document requisitions
  • VA Healthcare application assistance
  • Operate the courtesy Veterans Transportation Program
  • Documentation assistance in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs for: 
    • Disabled veterans license tags
    • Property tax exemptions
    • Educational benefits
    • Commissary Privileges

The department also provides assistance in obtaining state benefits, such as free car tags and fishing licenses, for those who are 100 percent service-connected.

Access and Quality in VA Healthcare

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Access and Quality in VA Healthcare website answers questions like "how quickly can my VA facility see me," "how do services compare in your area," and "how can I find providers near me?"

Mission Statement

The mission of the Veterans Affairs Department is to enhance the quality of life for veterans, survivors, dependents, and family members by assisting them in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for benefits and entitlements from federal, state, and local levels of government while advocating for veteran’s interests in the community.

Code of Client Concern

The Monroe County Veterans Affairs Department (MCVAD) is committed to providing the highest quality service to its clients. In order to achieve this goal, the dedication of each employee to the principles outlined in this code is essential. With a comprehensive knowledge of existing Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) laws and regulations, and the willingness of all MCVAD personnel to assist our clients, we will be able to provide the kind of service to which we are committed. To that end:

  1. Each client must be afforded dignity as an individual and be treated with compassion and respect.
  1. Clients will be counseled fully and informed of any DVA program or benefit that may be available to them or their families.
  1. All employees shall in no way interfere with or prevent the filing of a claim, as all persons have the “right” to file, valid or not.
  1. All employees will protect every claimant as to the “effective date” of the claim, wherever possible. This includes advising the claimant of any inadequacies which may cause a delayed effective date.
  1. All employees will keep confidential all records and communications pertaining to the client’s case.
  1. Cathy Crane

    Cathy Crane

    Director

  2. Ksenia Leonteva

    Executive Assistant

  3. Veterans Affairs

    Physical Address
    1200 Truman Ave. Suite 204
    Key West, FL 33040


  4. James Carey

    Deputy Director

  5. Dawn Crane

    Executive Assistant

  6. Decoltius "Cody" Dickerson

    Administrator/Veteran Service Officer

  7. Kevin Perham

    Veteran Service Officer

  8. Jason Partagas

    Veteran Service Officer

  9. Transportation Program

    Physical Address
    1200 Truman Avenue, Suite 204
    Key West, FL 33040


    Transportation Program Operates Wednesday through Friday
    Call for Reservations Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.



Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride

The Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride takes place Friday, Jan. 6, and Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Keys. Residents and visitors are encouraged to cheer on and support the warriors while they cycle through the Florida Keys or join them for the community ride on Saturday in Key West. 

Motorists should take extra time to get to their destination during the ride times. U.S. 1 will remain open for the Soldier Ride, but motorists should be patient, use caution, and note that there may be rolling lane shifts in traffic.

 Friday, Jan. 6

  • 8:30 a.m. The ride will start at Key Largo VFW Post 10211 with a 9:30 a.m. water stop at Coral Shores High School in Tavernier, ending around 10:30 a.m. at Post Card Inn Beach Resort & Marina in Islamorada.
  • 1:30 p.m. The ride will head south from the Marathon fire station over the Seven Mile Bridge ending at Veterans Memorial Beach on the south end of the bridge around 2:30 p.m.

 Saturday, Jan. 7

  • 10:30 a.m. The ride departs the U.S. Naval Air Station Key West at Boca Chica Key to Bayview Park in Key West.
  • Noon: Welcome ceremony at Bayview Park.
  • 12:45 p.m. Community Ride from Bayview Park until 2 p.m. ends at Bayview Park. The public is invited to ride with the warriors to historic Key West military sites. Patriotic bike decorations are encouraged. Suggested donation: $20.

For More Information

Military loan banner with uniformed families and a "Salute Our Soldiers" slogan