We're here for Michigan's heroes when you need it most. It's what we do!
How VFW Veterans Service Officers (VSO) advocate for you:
- ANSWER YOUR REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE
- HELP YOU IDENTIFY ISSUES AND DEVELOP EVIDENCE
- FILE YOUR CLAIMS WITH VA IN A TIMELY MANNER
- REVIEW YOUR RATING DECISION FOR ACCURACY
During your interview, WE WILL review your information and inform you of what benefits you should claim as well as any other benefits that may be available.
WE ARE trained VA benefits experts who have access to VA computer systems in order to provide you with the information you need for your claim to succeed.
WE WILL submit your claim to VA in a timely manner to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled.
WE WILL conduct a thorough review of your decision before VA sends it to you. The VFW has a 90% success rate in correcting errors, helping you avoid the lengthy appeals process.
If you are unsatisfied with the outcome of your claim, WE WILL help you appeal VA's decision
DISABILITY COMPENSATION
Service-connected disability compensation is a tax-free benefit paid to veterans for a disability (or disabilities) that either:
- Arose during service
- Was worsened or aggravated by service
- Is presumed by VA to be related to military service
To receive disability compensation, you must have been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions.
PENSION
Pension is a tax-free benefit paid to wartime veterans with limited or no income who are either aged 65 or older or who are permanently and totally disabled due to a non-service connected cause. Seriously disabled or housebound veterans receiving pension may also qualify for an additional Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefit.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
VA pays benefits to eligible service members and veterans pursuing an approved education or training program. There are four primary VA education benefit programs that cover Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve service members and veterans:
- Post 9/11 GI Bill (CHapter 33)
- Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (Chapter 30)
- Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
- Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill program provides financial assistance towards tuition and fees, books, and supplies, and it provides a monthly housing allowance. Eligible service members may transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to an eligible spouse or child. VA pays a monthly allowance under the other benefit programs to help offset educational costs. Information about VA education programs can be found at www.gibill.va.gov
DEPENDENTS AND SURVIVORS
VA honors the sacrifices of service members' and veterans' dependents and survivors through many benefit programs:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a monthly benefit paid to a surviving spouse, including additional payments for dependent children. It is available to an eligible spouse of a service member who died during active military service or from a service-connected disability, or of a veteran who was rated totally disabled at the time of death. Parent's DIC is paid to surviving parents based on financial need.
The surviving spouse and child(ren) who are eligible for DIC are also eligible for the following:
- The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) provides reimbursement for most medical expenses.
- The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35) provides assistance to obtain a degree and pursue other eligible education and training.
- A Survivors' Pension is a monthly benefit payable to a low-income surviving spouse and child(ren) of a deceased veteran with wartime service.
BURIAL
VA offers burial and memorial services to honor certain deceased veterans:
- VA can honor a veteran by furnishing an inscribed headstone or marker at any cemetery, or a medallion in lieu of a headstone or marker to affix to one that is privately purchased.
- VA can provide a burial allowance to partially reimburse the burial and funeral costs to certain veterans.
- VA can provide a Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) for the next of kin and loved ones of a deceased veteran.
- VA can provide an American flag to drape the casket of a veteran.
- A veteran and his or her dependents can be buried in a VA National cemetery.
Call the VFW Service Office Headquarters at 313-964-6510 to find a service officer near you.
Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (excluding federal holidays)
Before going to see a VSO, please call the VFW Service Office Headquarters to ensure that your representative is available.
VFW Service Office Headquarters
McNamara Federal Building
477 Michigan Avenue, Ste. #1228
Detroit MI 48226-2588
O: 313/964-6510
F: 313/964-6545
Email: vfwus.vbadet@va.gov
Detroit Staff:
Sidney Love Jr., State Director
email: sidney.love@va.gov
C: 313/858-1660
Sean Kelly, Asst. Director
email: sean.p.kelly@va.gov
C: 313/712-0394
Troy North, Supervisor of Field Operations
email: troy.north@va.gov
C: 313/712-1012
Mason Turrell, VSO
email: mason.turrell@va.gov
C: 313/712-1095
Nate Boyd-Cleaver, VSO
email: nathan.boyd-cleaver2@va.gov
C: 313/674-1511
Marlene Khaireddine, Exec. Asst. to State Director/Office Manager
email: marlene.khaireddine@va.gov
Tammy Putinsky, Claims Consultant
email: tammy.putinsky@va.gov
Annie Koop, Claims Consultant
email: bethann.koop@va.gov
Ross Urtel, VSO/Comptroller
email: ross.urtel@va.gov
FIELD STAFF:
Bonnie Gibbs, Claims Consultant
Detroit VA Medical Center 4646 John R, Detroit MI: Mon, Th, Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Canton CBOC, 5900 N. Lotz Road, Canton MI Ph: 734/769-7100 X44740: Tues, Wed 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
C: 313/977-1802
email: bonnie.gibbs@va.gov
John Howe, VSO
Lansing CBOC
Mon - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
C: 313/645-0106
email: john.howe4@va.gov
Amanda Klein, Claims Consultant
Lapeer County Area
Tuesday-Friday 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
C: 313/529-0041
email: amanda.klein@va.gov
Wayne Pascoe
VAMC-Ann Arbor
Tuesday & Wednesday 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
C: 313/681-2819
email: wayne.pascoe@va.gov
Grand Rapids Area
VFW Post #830 557 11th St., Grand Rapids MI
Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
C: 313/529-2746
email: david.moler@va.gov
Wayne Pascoe, VSO
VFW Post 1138
400 Jones Ave., Monroe MI
Tues - Thurs 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
C: 313/681-2819
email: wayne.pascoe@va.gov
Gary Putinsky, VSO
Genesee County VA Office
Mon, Tues, Th, Fri 7:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
PH: 810/257-3068
CELL: 313/525-0840
email: gputinsky@co.genesee.mi.us
Glenn D. Whitt, II, VSO
Telework
Monday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Battle Creek VA Medical Center (Bldg. 136)
Tues - Thurs 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
ph: 269/966-5600
Battle Creek Federal Center
4th Wednesday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Lansing Community Based Outpatient Clinic
Fridays 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
CELL: 313/712-0406
Email: glenn.whitt@va.gov
Temporarily Vacant:
Saginaw VA Medical Center
