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.
On April 9, 2020, WDVA Secretary Kolar hosted a Virtual Town Hall along with Governor Tony Evers in order to provide updates on WDVA programs, benefits and services during the COVID-19 pandemic and to answer questions from the veterans community. Listen here.
WDVA Program Status
The WDVA has implemented the following temporary closures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While 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.
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
- No longer allowing visitors.
- Screening for symptoms of COVID-19.
Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program
- Face-to-face meetings will occur only when necessary.
- All other intakes and case management check-ins will occur by phone.
- Veterans in need should contact their local outreach and recovery coordinator.
Wisconsin Veterans Homes at Chippewa Falls, King, and Union Grove
- Medically unnecessary visits have been suspended until further notice.
Some allowances may be made to allow for visits in compassionate cases. In these instances, family members will be screened before entering our facilities.
Staff and approved visitors will be subjected to temperature monitoring before entering the premises, until further notice.
- In light of guidance from the CDC that residents of nursing homes must cover their mouth and nose when interacting with staff, our Homes are accepting homemade, non-medical cloth masks from donors for
residents to wear.
- We have issued PPE to staff, following CDC recommendations. The Homes have appropriate measures in place to account for all PPE and the ability to request more in the case of an outbreak.
Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemeteries
- Not accepting walk-ins or face-to-face meetings in the administrative buildings.
- Following the lead of the USDVA National Cemetery Administration, we have temporarily discontinued commital services while continuing to allow families to witness their loved ones' interments.
- To ensure social distancing at the cemetery, witnessing family members (no more than 10) and funeral directors will now be asked to view the interment from their cars or the road very near their cars.
- Family members may approach the burial site once cemetery staff have left the area.
- We will work with families to schedule future memorial and/or celebration of life services.
- No longer accepting floral arrangements.
- Cemetery grounds remain open for visitors to pay respects. All visitors must adhere to the ban on gatherings of 10 or more and practice social distancing.
- Cemetery staff can be contacted by phone or email at:
- Pre-registration can be completed online at www.MyWisVets.com.
Wisconsin Veterans Military Funeral Honors
- Being coordinated with limits as some branches of service are not currently supporting Honors.
- Honors can be scheduled and performed at a future date and do not need to occur at the time of burial. We are working with families to ensure Honors ceremonies at a future memorial services.
- Veterans may have one Honors ceremony and requests for multiple Honors services cannot be supported.
- The WDVA is not requesting Veterans Service Organization (VSO) support for Honors at this time. However, if a VSO does support Honors locally during this time, they will still be eligible for the Honors stipend.
Wisconsin Veterans Museum