Veterans Affairs

Services

Veterans Affairs has eight employees between its Key Largo and Key West offices, providing services to approximately 8,000 full-time and 2,500 seasonal Veterans, military personnel, survivors, dependents, and family members in the Florida Keys. Department staff receive training in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations Title 38, Florida Statute 292.11, and the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Each year, Veterans Affairs has more than 18,500 client interactions while providing various services.

Monetary Compensation

  • Service-related disabilities
  • Non-service connected pensions
  • Burial benefits
  • Survivor’s benefits
  • Educational and vocational rehabilitation benefits
  • VA home loan eligibility assistance
  • Appeals of any denied benefit

Nonmonetary Benefits

  • Military service medal, decoration, and award issuance or replacement
  • Military service records or document requisitions
  • VA Healthcare application assistance
  • Operate the courtesy Veterans Transportation Program
  • Documentation assistance in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs for: 
    • Disabled Veterans license tags
    • Property tax exemptions
    • Educational benefits
    • Commissary Privileges

The department also assists in obtaining state benefits, such as free car tags and fishing licenses, for those who are 100 percent service-connected.

Access and Quality in VA Healthcare

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Access and Quality in VA Healthcare website answers questions like "how quickly can my VA facility see me," "how do services compare in your area," and "how can I find providers near me?"

2026 Wounded Warrior Soldier Ride

The Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride takes place Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in the Upper and Middle Keys and Saturday, Jan. 10, in Key West. Residents and visitors are encouraged to cheer on and support the warriors as they cycle through the Florida Keys, or to join them for the community ride on Saturday in Key West. 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Veterans Affairs Department is to enhance the quality of life for veterans, survivors, dependents, and family members by assisting them in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for benefits and entitlements from federal, state, and local levels of government while advocating for Veterans’ interests in the community.

Code of Client Concern

The Monroe County Veterans Affairs Department (MCVAD) is committed to providing the highest quality service to its clients. To achieve this goal, each employee's dedication to the principles outlined in this code is essential. With a comprehensive knowledge of existing Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) laws and regulations, and the willingness of all MCVAD personnel to assist our clients, we will be able to provide the kind of service to which we are committed. To that end:

  • Each client must be afforded dignity as an individual and be treated with compassion and respect.
  • Clients will be counseled fully and informed of any DVA program or benefit that may be available to them or their families.
  • All employees shall in no way interfere with or prevent the filing of a claim, as all persons have the “right” to file, valid or not.
  • All employees will protect every claimant as to the “effective date” of the claim, wherever possible. This includes advising the claimant of any inadequacies that may delay the effective date.
  • All employees will keep confidential all records and communications pertaining to the client’s case.

For More Information

  1. Cathy Crane headshot outside with blazer and yellow background

    Cathy Crane

    Director
    Phone:

  2. James Carey

    Assistant Director of Policy & Compliance

  3. Decoltius "Cody" Dickerson

    Assistant Director of Operations & Special Projects

  4. Key West Office

    Physical Address
    The Historic Gato Building
    1100 Simonton Street 1-190
    Key West, FL 33040



  5. Key Largo Office

    Physical Address
    Nelson Government Center
    102050 Overseas Highway, 244
    Key Largo, FL 33037


  6. Marathon Satellite Office

    Physical Address
    Monroe County Public Library - Marathon Branch
    3490 Overseas Highway
    Marathon, FL 33050


  7. Transportation Program

    Physical Address
    1200 Truman Avenue, Suite 204
    Key West, FL 33040


    Transportation Program Operates Wednesday through Friday
    Call for Reservations Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.



  8. Brett Dehanas

    Senior Coordinator

  9. Kevin Perham

    Veteran Service Officer

  10. Jason Partagas

    Veteran Service Officer

Military loan banner with uniformed families and a "Salute Our Soldiers" slogan