Military Veterans

Senator Lieberman's Constituent Service Center regularly receives the following questions regarding military families and veterans. If your question is not answered here, please send an email so that his staff may address your concern.

• What is the Veteran's History Project?
• My spouse/child is in the military and is having difficulty. May I ask Senator Lieberman to intervene?
• I am a veteran with a disability caused by my military service. How do I obtain benefits?
• I have filed a claim for benefits from the Veterans Administration. It is taking a long time. Can you help?
• How do I get a copy of my military records or medals?
• I’m an unemployed veteran. Are there any special programs or employment resources that assist veterans?
• I’m a disabled veteran and want to start my own business. Where can I turn to for training?

Q. What is the Veteran's History Project?

The Veterans History Project is an on-going project of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress whose mission is to collect and archive the personal recollections of U.S. wartime veterans to honor their service and share their stories with current and future generations. The project was created by the U.S. Congress in 2000. For more information on the project and to contribute information or a veteran's interview visit: www.loc.gov/vets.

Q. My spouse/child is in the military and is having difficulty. May I ask Senator Lieberman to intervene?

Just like any citizen, military members are permitted to petition their elected officials. Senator Lieberman encourages the use of the "Chain of Command" whenever appropriate. However, since all service records are considered private, a member must contact Senator Lieberman directly to request assistance and to give the military branch written authority to release personal information to the Constituent Service Center. Service members may fill out a Privacy Act Release form to facilitate Senator Lieberman's ability to advocate on their behalf.

Q. I am a veteran with a disability caused by my military service. How do I obtain benefits?

Information on veterans benefits may be obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or by calling 1-800-827-1000. Because of the complexity of the process, Senator Lieberman encourages all veterans to contact a Veteran Service Officer from one of the congressionally chartered organizations, such as Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, or the State of Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Advocacy and Assistance. These organizations are equipped to help you with your claim process.

Q. I have filed a claim for benefits from the Veterans Administration. It is taking a long time. Can you help?

Due to various complexities, claims may take several months for adjudication. Appeals may take in excess of one year. Senator Lieberman will contact the Department of Veterans Affairs on your behalf to ensure that your claim is properly reviewed. Please fill out a Privacy Act Release Form in order to authorize the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide Senator Lieberman with information regarding your claim.

Q. How do I get a copy of my military records or medals?

Information about ordering military records (including your DD214) or medals may be obtained from:

National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100

While you may request your records/medals directly, Senator Lieberman's Constituent Service Center will provide assistance to you in this process. Please fill out the Standard Form 180 (SF180) from the National Personnel Records Center and send to:

Constituent Service Center
Senator Joseph I. Lieberman
One Constitution Plaza, 7th Floor
Hartford, CT 06103

Q. I’m an unemployed veteran. Are there any special programs or employment resources that assist veterans?

The Connecticut Veterans Workforce Development (VWD) offers many resources for veterans seeking employment and job training including career coaching, job search workshops and other veteran’s services. You may contact VWD by calling the Connecticut Department of Labor at 888-CTWorks (1-888-289-6757) or visit their website here.

Q. I’m a disabled veteran and want to start my own business. Where can I turn to for training?

The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities is a national program that offers free training in entrepreneurship and small business management to veterans with service-related disabilities and is offered locally at the University of Connecticut in Storrs. This program helps disabled veterans acquire the skills, training and networking needed to start their own business. For more information, visit the program site here.