The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs would like to thank Minnesota's Vietnam Veterans for their service to our state and nation, and help you take the first steps in connecting you with the benefits you have earned.
If you have any questions, call our customer service line at 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838) and speak with our knowledgeable staff.
Below, you will find a list of additional resources and information available.
Public television stations nationwide aired The Vietnam War, a major documentary series by filmmakers Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. The 18-hour-long film is national event that is certain to reopen discussion and debate about the costs of war and the experiences of those who served.
To expand on the epic documentary, Twin Cities PBS launched Minnesota Remembers Vietnam. The resulting collaboration among the state’s 6 public television stations features the Story Wall, original documentaries, and a series of public screenings & commemorative events that seek to more fully remember, honor and understand the experience of 50 years ago.
The war in Vietnam in Southeast Asia left an indelible mark on millions of people- including those right here at home. From Worthington to St. Paul to the Iron Range and everywhere in between, Minnesota is home to a generation that experienced the Vietnam War firsthand. And we remember.
For many of us, we didn’t experience the war. But, we’re beginning to understand… and we’re ready to listen.
What do you remember?
Share your story and let’s explore, connect and remember together at the Story Wall.
The primary source of contact for all Veterans benefits and services is your County Veterans Service Office.
Find Your CVSO:
Please be prepared to provide your full name, dates of service, branch of service, birth date and social security number. If the CVSO or MDVA have your record on file, you will have to fill out and sign a Request for Release of Private Data form and either bring the form with you to pick up your DD214 or discharge paper or mail the notarized form in to receive your copy by mail. For more information, visit our DD214 page.
Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service may be eligible for a variety of VA benefits, including disability compensation for diseases associated with exposure. Your dependents and survivors also may be eligible for benefits. The Federal Veterans Affairs Agent Orange page has information regarding eligibility, diseases the VA presumes are associated with exposure, evidence needed, and compensation information. The Federal VA currently presumes that some diseases resulted from exposure to herbicides like Agent Orange. The Veterans Health Administration's Public Health website lists these diseases VA presumes are associated with exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides during military service.
Dependents of Veterans may also be eligible for benefits and services. VA Form 21-0304 will be used to file any dependent claims, and contains additional eligibility information.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is a congressionally charted Veteran Service Organization. VVA’s goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam Veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of Veterans, and to change public perception of Vietnam Veterans. VVA strives to achieve the following:
