WDVA COVID-19 Updates
The State of Wisconsin, including the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in coordination with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and other local, state, and federal partners.
We encourage you to visit the
USDVA website for the latest news from the VA Medical Centers, as well as Wisconsin.gov/COVID19 for information from Wisconsin state agencies.
Country Veterans Service Officers are a good local point of contact for information and resources.
WDVA Program Status
The WDVA has implemented the following protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While many face-to-face and walk-in services have been suspended, all locations will continue to provide services online and via telephone.
Given the current status of COVID-19 and the recommendations of medical experts, the Centers for Disease Control and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, these decisions are in the best interest of the health and safety of our veterans, visitors and staff. Thank you for your understanding and for joining us to help prevent the spread of disease.
As this is a rapidly evolving situation, we encourage you to check back frequently for additional information and updates. You can also follow us on Facebook and
Twitter.
Wisconsin Veterans Homes at Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove
Central Office
- Not accepting walk-in visitors.
- We encourage you to visit the WDVA website at
www.WisVets.com.
- WisVets.com has an online chat feature if you need to reach someone directly.
Claims Office
- Not accepting walk-in visitors or scheduling face-to-face appointments until further notice.
- We encourage use of the E-benefits system to submit claims and documentation to the USDVA.
- We are still open for phone inquiries at 414-902-5757.
Veterans Benefits Resource Center
- Not accepting walk-in visitors or scheduling face-to-face appointments until further notice.
- Reach a customer service rep by phone (1-800-WISVETS), email (WisVets@dva.wisconsin.gov), or through the online "Chat now" feature located in the bottom corner of www.WisVets.com.
- We encourage use of
www.MyWisVets.com for learning about eligibility for our benefits.
Veterans Housing and Recovery Program
Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program
WDVA's Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program is committed to providing the most comprehensive level of services and assistance to our veterans and community partners. In keeping with State and Federal guidelines and the fluid nature of the pandemic, we continue to reference the Wisconsin Department of Health's website as it relates to COVID-19 and will adjust our procedures accordingly as it relates to how we treat, connect, interact, and reach out to our partners and veterans in need. We are able to schedule in-person meetings when it is safe for both our staff and veterans. When face-to-face meetings are not possible, we are utilizing Microsoft Teams to best connect with partners and veterans.
All of our coordinators are available via phone and email during normal business hours to answer any other questions and to offer support to our veterans and community partners. Visit the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program page for contact information.
Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemeteries
- The administration buildings are open to the public, walk in visitors are welcome.
- Pre-registration is available online at www.MyWisVets.com.
- While Wisconsin's State Veterans Cemeteries are operated by the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, many of the operating procedures, standards, and measurements used in daily operations are derived from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration. The federal guidelines allow for variation in the policies and procedures implemented in response to COVID-19, based on the particular circumstances of each cemetery's specific locale.
- Effective June 19 for the Northern Cemetery and effective July 13 for the Central and Southern Cemeteries, the Wisconsin State Veterans Cemeteries will:
- Allow committal services and military funeral honors at the indoor chapel.(Northern)
- Allow outdoor committal services at either the committal shelter (Southern and Northern), or graveside (Central);
- Host military funeral honors with a minimum of two uniformed personnel to fold/present the burial flag;
- Provide additional military honors, based on availability of personnel;
- Require face masks for any visitor's not vaccinated while inside any state buildings and in accordance with state DHS recommendations. Disposable facemasks are available by request.
- Schedule any services delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Cemetery staff can be contacted by phone or email at:
- Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (King)
- Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Spooner)
- Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (Union Grove)
Wisconsin Veterans Military Funeral Honors
- Coordination of Honors has resumed.
- If you delayed Honors due to Covid-19, you may now call the Honors office.
- Veterans may have one Honors ceremony and requests for multiple Honors services cannot be supported.
- The Military Funeral Honors Program has resumed requesting Veterans Service Organization (VSO) support for Honors at this time. However, VSO participation for rifle volleys is completely voluntary. Honors services that occur with military personnel support to fold/present the flag and sound Taps without rifle volleys due to lack of availability will not have the rifle volley scheduled separately at a later date.
- Contact the Military Funeral Honors Program office with any questions at 877-944-6667 or honors@dva.wisconsin.gov.
Wisconsin Veterans Museum
- The museum is re-open to the public. Please visit our website to see our commitments to keep all of our guests safe while visiting.
- We encourage you to explore out state's veteran history and participate in both in-person and virtual programming at www.WisVetsMuseum.com.
- For more information about the updated galleries or visiting the museum contact, call 608-267-1799 or visitor.curator@dva.wisconsin.gov.