Veterans

If you are experiencing difficulties with veterans benefits through a federal agency, my office is available to help. Because of federal privacy laws, I will need your written permission to assist you with any issues you are experiencing with a federal agency. To speed up this process, you may want to print out my Authorization Form and return it by mail or fax it to my office at (952) 808-1261.

Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions concerning the Veterans Administration:

How can I get a copy of my military records (discharge, medical, etc.)?

Most military records are stored at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Visit the National Archives website for more information.

This is also an area where my office may be able to help. If you are trying to get records from your military service, or that of a family member, feel free to contact my office. As stated above, I will need your written permission to help with this issue.

How can I get the medals I was awarded during my service but never received?

Military medals are also an issue handled primarily through the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis.

If you believe you are owed medals from your service and would like my assistance attaining your medals, please fill out the Authorization Form found at the top of the page and return it to my office. Once I receive this information from you, I will be back in touch with you regarding any other paperwork that might be required to send the request to the proper officials.

How can I get my VA claim or appeal processed faster?

The Veterans Administration currently has many claims pending for various types of benefits. I am always glad to help in these situations. At my request, the VA will "flag" a particular case and keep me updated throughout the process. However, it is important to know that I cannot act as the "representative" on a person's VA claim. You may still want an attorney or veterans representative to help you with this. My actions will not affect the work done by the person you select as your representative.

Veterans Affairs Offices

Minneapolis VA Medical Center

One Veterans Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Phone: (612) 725-2000
Toll free: (866) 414-5058
Fax: (612) 725-2049
Website: http://www1.va.gov/minneapolis/

St. Paul Regional Office

1 Federal Drive, Fort Snelling
Saint Paul, MN 55111-4050
Phone: (800) 827-1000
Fax: (612) 970-5415
Website: http://www.vba.va.gov/ro/central/stpau/index.html

Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 23: VA Midwest Health Care Network

Minneapolis Office
5445 Minnehaha Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55417-2300
Phone: (612) 725-1968
Fax: (612) 467-5967
Website: http://www.visn23.va.gov/

Dakota County Veterans Service Office

PO Box 18145
West St. Paul, MN 55118-0145
County Veterans Service Officer: Lisa Thomas
Phone: (651) 554-5601
E-mail: lisa.thomas@co.dakota.mn.us
Website: http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/HealthFamily/VeteransServices/Pages/default.aspx

Goodhue County Veterans Service Office

Government Center, Room 1
509 West Fifth Street
Red Wing, MN 55066-2540
County Veterans Service Officer: Robert Davis
Phone: (651) 385-3256
E-mail: bob.davis@co.goodhue.mn.us
Website: http://www.co.goodhue.mn.us/departments/veteransservice/index.aspx

Rice County Veterans Service Office

320 NW 3rd Street
Faribault, MN 55021
County Veterans Service Officer: Tracy McBroom
Phone: (507) 332-6117
E-mail: trmcbroom@co.rice.mn.us
Website: http://www.co.rice.mn.us/departments/veterans-services

Scott County Veterans Service Office

Government Center, Room 212
200 Fourth Avenue West
Shakopee, MN 55379-1220
County Veterans Service Officer: Todd Kubinski
Phone: (952) 496-8176
E-mail: tkubinski@co.scott.mn.us
Website: http://www.co.scott.mn.us/helpingpeoplehealth/vetservices/Pages/VeteranServices.aspx

Wabasha County Veterans Service Office

848 17th Street East
Wabasha MN 55981
County Veterans Service Officer: Nathan Pelz
Phone: (651) 565-3865
E-mail: npelz@co.wabasha.mn.us
Website: http://www.co.wabasha.mn.us/index.php/departments/veterans-services

Washington County Veterans Service Office

PO Box 6
14949 62nd Street
Stillwater, MN
County Veterans Service Officer: Jon Larson
Phone: (651) 430-6895
E-mail: jon.larson@co.washington.mn.us
Website:http://www.co.washington.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=819

Veterans Affairs Online