County of Monroe Department of Veterans Affairs

04/23/2026

Request a free copy of your DD-214
Military Service? Request a free copy of your DD-214.
Military discharge documents are essential for veterans when connecting to their earned benefits.
Request a free copy at Michigan.gov/DD214.

03/13/2026

Let us not forget our four-legged heroes.
March 13th 2026.

02/19/2026

NEW VA CRITERIA ON MEDICATIONS… WHAT VETERANS NEED TO UNDERSTAND
I’ve been getting a lot of messages about the “new VA criteria” that went into effect on February 17, 2026, regarding medications and how they affect disability ratings… so let’s slow this down and talk about what this actually means.

There’s a fear floating around that if medication helps your condition… the VA is going to reduce you. That’s not how the law works.

The VA does not get to pretend your condition no longer exists just because treatment makes it more manageable. Symptom control is not the same thing as curing the underlying condition.

What the guidance reinforces is this… ratings are based on the level of disability under ordinary conditions of life… including treatment. That means the VA looks at how you function while receiving care… not in some imaginary, untreated state. But that also does not give them automatic authority to reduce you simply because a medication is effective.

For a reduction to happen legally… the VA must show sustained material improvement in the actual condition… not just temporary improvement… not just good exam day numbers… and not just “the medication works.” They must follow due process… propose the reduction… give you notice… allow you to respond… and show that improvement is maintained under the normal conditions of life.

Here’s the distinction that matters…

If medication lowers your blood pressure… that does not mean hypertension is gone.
If medication stabilizes your mental health… that does not mean the diagnosis disappeared.
If medication reduces migraines… that does not mean the underlying neurological condition resolved.

The VA cannot treat symptom management as if the disease process no longer exists.

Now… where veterans need to be careful is this…

If your medical records consistently show dramatic sustained improvement over time… and providers are documenting minimal symptoms and high functioning… that can be reviewed. But that has always been true. That is not new.

What did not change is this… reductions require evidence of actual improvement in the disability picture… and they require procedural protections.

So if you’re stable because of medication… that stability alone does not erase your service-connection. It does not automatically trigger a reduction. And it does not override long-standing protections in VA law.

If you’re worried about your specific condition… tell me what it is. Blood pressure… mental health… migraines… something else. Each body system has its own nuances… and we can walk through it calmly instead of reacting to headlines.

For veterans who are already service-connected and already rated… this doesn’t mean the VA can suddenly go back and “re-rate” you just because a medication helps. Your rating stays your rating unless the VA actually opens a review and follows the reduction rules… and those rules have always required more than “you’re doing better on meds.” A reduction still has to be based on sustained improvement shown by the evidence over time… and the VA still has to give you due process before anything changes. So the practical impact for most already-rated veterans is not panic… it’s simply understanding that symptom control is not the same thing as the underlying condition disappearing.

Stay informed… not alarmed.

12/23/2025

12/23/2025

--Hiring Part Time---

VETERANS SERVICES ASSISTANT
Part Time
Administrative Supt
Monroe, MI, US
1 Attachments
5 days ago
Requisition ID: 1598

Apply
Salary Range:
$19.85 To $19.85 Hourly
Monroe County
Veterans Services Assistant

Department: Veterans Affairs
Wage Grade: Rye 6
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Affiliation: Non-Union Part Time

General Summary:


Under the supervision of the Community Planning & Engagement Director, with direct oversight by the Veterans Affairs Coordinator, this position assists in the day-to-day operations of the Department of Veterans Affairs by providing secretarial support services. Duties include: preparing correspondence, interacting with the public, screening telephone calls, maintaining records systems, performing miscellaneous financial responsibilities, bookkeeping functions, and various other clerical duties.

Employment Qualifications:


Education: High school graduation or equivalent with some advanced coursework or certification in-office procedures, data processing, and accounting. Possession of college-level courses in business, accounting, administration, or related fields preferred.


Experience: Two years of prior office or secretarial experience including experience with related data processing systems. Prefer experience in a public service office or related setting.


Working Conditions:

Work performed in office conditions
May also perform work at events and seminars
Exposure to veterans, family members and other individuals with various emotional problems and in various states of emotional distress.

11/17/2025

If your a VETERAN, SPOUSE/WIDOW of a VETERAN/MILITARY and have nowhere to go or eat on 🦃THANKSGIVING🦃 please join us for VETS-GIVING. NO COST!
If your reading this and would like to volunteer, donate food or a dish, we would be more than grateful for you help. Please contact Commander Al Bond or send us a message on Facebook messenger if you have any questions. THANK_YOU!!

11/06/2025

Looking for displays for veterans day!

08/07/2025

A history lesson and to honor those 2898 members who have received it. Read below about PURPLE HEART DAY, August 7. “The official Purple Heart Day is observed on the 7th day of August each year, commemorating the historic day in 1782 that General George Washington, Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army, commissioned the first Purple Heart Medal, originally called the Badge of Military Merit.

The Badge of Military Merit is a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk bound with a thin edge of silver with the word merit embroidered in silver across the face. Only 3 Badges of Military Merit were awarded. The Badge of Military Merit was redesigned and re-commissioned in 1932 by General Douglas McArthur in honor of George Washington’s bicentennial birthday. Now known as the Purple Heart Medal – it is the oldest military award, first being awarded to soldiers in World War I and still given to soldiers today.

A presidential order signed in 1942 permitted the Purple Heart Medal to be awarded to all branches of the military including the U.S. Coast Guard. It was World War II, when the qualification to receive the Purple Heart Medal changed to honor those who were wounded or killed in combat – that is why it’s recipients often call it “the medal that nobody wants”. It is unknown how many soldiers actually received it. However, we know that the soldiers listed below are some of the most awarded Purple Heart Recipients in history:

Robert T. Frederick, U.S. Army: World War II (8)

David H. Hackworth, U.S. Army: Korean War (3), Vietnam War (5)

Joe Hooper, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor: Vietnam War (8)

Robert L. Howard, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor: Vietnam War (8)

William Waugh, U.S. Army: Vietnam War (8)

It took the Purple Heart medal many years to evolve into what it is today. Today, on the reverse of the medal, “FOR MILITARY MERIT” is inscribed. The medal itself is made of brass with a gold color to it, and also contains a bust of George Washington and his coat of arms. The purple color represents the blood of all those who have made sacrifices in war, but traditionally it represent the courage of those who serve. The original color of the medal George Washington created was purple, so it was only fitting that it would be used to honor his memory in the new medal.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) was formed in 1932. It is composed exclusively of men and women who have received the Purple Heart Medal and is the only Veteran’s Service Organization whose membership is comprised solely of “combat-wounded veterans.”

07/31/2025

Are you a Monroe County Veteran in need of housing assistance?
If so, call MCOP! We have a Veteran's rental assistance program that assists with back rent owed as well as move-in costs.
Call (734) 241-2775, ext. 203 to see if you qualify!

03/25/2025