Veterans Affairs

COVID-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.

• VA Approved Urgent Care Centers
• Florida Dept. of Veterans Affairs Florida Veterans Benefit Guide
• Veterans Healthcare: VA Mission Act
• Hurricane Preparedness Guide for Veterans and Families, Spanish

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?"

• Access and Quality in VA Healthcare

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.

2. Clients will be counseled fully and informed of any DVA program or benefit that may be available to them or their families.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. All employees will keep confidential all records and communications pertaining to the client’s case.