Lake County Veterans Services
Mission Statement:
To honor and serve those who have served our nation by providing comprehensive support, advocacy, and assistance to Veterans, their families, survivors, and caregivers. In alignment with the highest standards of service excellence, we are committed to ensuring that all eligible residents receive the benefits they have earned. Through proactive outreach, personalized guidance, and steadfast advocacy, we strive to empower our Veterans and their families, fostering their well-being and enhancing their quality of life in Lake County.
County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs):
Brad Anderson
Melissa Crandall
Contact Information:
Phone: 218-834-8326
Fax: 218-834-8369
Email: cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Website: https://www.co.lake.mn.us/veterans-services/
*To better serve our Veterans, we ask that you call or email to schedule an appointment.
Minnesota Find Your CVSO
https://www.macvso.org/find-a-cvso.html
Do you reside outside of Lake County but in Minnesota? Find your local CVSO.
National Find Your CVSO
https://www.nacvso.org/
Do you reside outside of Minnesota? Find your local service officer.
Veterans Crisis Line
Dial 988 then press 1
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Access to free, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones 24/7, 365 days a year. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. Family members and loved ones can call about their Veteran.
Veterans Linkage Line
888-546-5838
https://www.linkvet.org/
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) link to experts for Veterans and their families. Information about and assistance with finding your CVSO, education, employment, homelessness, Veterans Homes, and memorial services.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
800-698-2411
https://www.va.gov/
Main information line, MyVA411, is a toll-free number available 24/7 providing a single point of contact for Veterans, service members, and their families to access information and assistance from the VA.
VA Veterans Benefit Administration
800-827-1000
https://www.va.gov/
Benefits hotline is a toll-free number available Monday through Friday 7am to 8pm (CT) providing access to information about benefits and services like claim status, direct deposit updates, and change of address. Pro-tip: create a VA.gov account to manage your benefits online, formerly eBenefits.
VA Veterans Health Administration
877-222-8387
https://www.va.gov/health-care/
Benefits hotline is a toll-free number available Monday through Friday 7am to 7pm (CT) providing information about and assistance applying for VA health care benefits. Pro-tip: create a VA.gov account to manage your benefits online, formerly My HealtheVet.
Minneapolis VA Medical Center (VAMC)
866-414-5058
https://www.va.gov/minneapolis-health-care/
Main line is a toll-free number for those already enrolled in VA health care needing to schedule an appointment, connect with their physician or a specific department, or request health information. This is also the switchboard for VA clinics in the Minneapolis VAMC catchment area such as Superior, WI or Ely, MN clinics. Pro-tip: when you hear the pre-recorded prompts to press a certain number to be connected, press 0 (zero) to speak to a live operator and request to be connected to the appropriate department or person.
VA Health Connect
833-983-0492
https://www.va.gov/initiatives/va-health-connect/
For Veterans enrolled in VA Health Care, provides access to health care 24/7 from wherever you are. Talk with a nurse about your symptoms, virtually meet with a medical or tele-emergency care provider and manage your medications and appointments. *The phone number provided is for the Minneapolis VAMC catchment area.
VA Emergency Care Reporting Hotline
844-724-7842
https://www.va.gov/resources/getting-emergency-care-at-non-va-facilities/
For Veterans enrolled in VA Health Care that receive emergency care at a non-VA facility. If you think your life or health is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. VA must be notified within 72 hours of when the emergency care starts. VA prefers the provider to notify them, but it can be done by the Veteran or someone acting on their behalf.