Commonly Asked Questions

I am a Veteran and pursuing a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Can Congressman Blumenauer assist me with the process?

Yes.  My staff works with the Department of Veterans Affairs on a daily basis.  We are happy to assist you with claims you are pursuing, including matters as simple as receiving an update about your case. Our close working relationship with the VA allows us to have information added to your file quickly, and we usually receive information about the progress of your claim within hours of an inquiry.   Additionally, if your case has been outstanding for a considerable amount of time, an inquiry from my office can sometimes speed the processing so that you get the answers you need.

I am a Veteran and I am having difficulty getting an appointment or appropriate care at the Portland V.A. Medical Center. Can Congressman Blumenauer assist me with this issue?

Yes.  My office maintains a working relationship with staff at the PVAMC and speaks to them on behalf of veterans on a regular basis. If there is an urgent situation, an inquiry from my staff can often reduce wait times for appointments or get you updates on your case. The staff at the VA Medical Center works very hard, but if you are not pleased with the care that you are receiving, my office can make inquiries with the PVAMC on your behalf.

I am having difficulty receiving a military record that I need, or receiving medals that I earned in service, or replacements of medals that I earned in service. Can Congressman Blumenauer help me with this situation?

Yes.  My staff works with the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis to gain records more quickly than under normal circumstances. We can also help you receive medals that you have earned but never were awarded, or obtain replacements for lost or stolen service medals.

Contact the V.A. 

Department of Veterans Affairs

1-800-827-1000
1220 SW 3rd Ave
Portland, OR 97204

The V.A. Online 

The V.A. recently unveiled a new website for veterans called VONAPP .  Veterans, survivors and other claimants seeking compensation, pension, education, or vocational rehabilitation benefits can apply electronically without the constraints of location, postage cost, and time delays in mail delivery. You can explore this new website by visiting it at http://www.va.gov/onlineapps.htm .