Veterans Affairs

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

Due to Veterans Service Officers being required to prepare, present, and prosecute claims as per the timelines set within the CFR 38, the offices will not fully close unless otherwise mandated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. In-person services appointments are recommended, but not required. Our offices will accept documents through encrypted PDFs via email, fax, or hard copy via mail; in addition, we are implementing a drop box at the Key West and Key Largo offices Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to noon. Staff will work either remotely or in the office to fulfill our obligatory responsibilities to the Veteran clients in our community. The Veterans Transportation Program which transports Veterans and Social Services clients to and from medical appointments in Miami-Dade is operating.

Vaccines: Miami VA Health Care System

Monroe County Veterans seeking to receive their COVID-19 vaccination should schedule directly with their care teams. The Key West Outpatient Clinic is doing a vaccine clinic every Wednesday by appointment for Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare.

  • Key West VA Outpatient Clinic telephone number is 305-293-4863 
  • Key Largo VA Outpatient Clinic telephone number is 305-451-0164
  • Miami VA Hospital telephone number is 305-575-7000

Visit VA's COVID-19 vaccine website for more information at https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/.

There are two options for Veterans who wish to receive more information or register their interest in receiving a vaccine when it is available:

  1. They can speak with their care teams who will note their interest 
  2. They can visit the VA web page at www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/ and sign up to be contacted.

Testing: Miami VA Healthcare System

Any Veteran who shows symptoms should call the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 for triage and instruction prior to coming to the medical center or clinics.

These are the impacts to Veteran clients in Monroe based on the COVID-19 Update from the Miami VA Healthcare System:

Impacts for veterans in Monroe County traveling via privately owned vehicles to appointments at Miami/Monroe VA locations:

  • A singular point of entry is assigned for all facilities and enhanced screening is being performed upon entry at all facilities
  • Visitors need to plan extra time for screening
  • Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center: change to parking and drop off
    • Visitors need to plan for extra travel time

Impacts for veterans in Monroe County who travel to the Miami VA - Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center via Monroe County Veterans Affairs Veterans Transportation Program (VTP):

  • Drop off will still be at the same location, but veteran clients will have to enter through the West Entrance

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.

Contact Us

  1. Cathy Crane

    Cathy Crane

    Director
    Email: Cathy Crane
    Phone: 305-295-5150

  2. Key West Office

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

    Phone: 305-295-5150
    Fax: 305-295-5175

    Hours
    Monday - Friday
    8 am - 5 pm


  3. Key Largo Office

    Physical Address
    102050 Overseas Highway, Suite 208
    Key Largo, FL 33037

    Phone: 305-453-8777
    Fax: 305-453-8779

    Hours:
    Monday - Friday
    8 a.m. to 5 p.m.


  4. Marathon Satellite Office

    Physical Address
    Monroe County Public Library - Marathon Branch
    3490 Overseas Highway
    Marathon, FL 33050

    Phone: 305-295-5150

    Hours:
    Every Second Wednesday
    9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome or use the number above to schedule an appointment.


  5. Transportation Program

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

    Phone: 305-295-5159

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



    Directory

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.

For More Information

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