(Richmond) The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) has taken every precaution to safely and effectively virtually serve the veteran community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

In order to expand in-person services, VDVS will increase the number of appointments available at 21 office locations starting on March 15, 2021.  Operational adjustments have been made to accomplish social distancing and prioritize the health and safety of customers and staff. Here are the details regarding the phased reopening and current status of VDVS offices and facilities throughout the Commonwealth:

Benefits and the Virginia Family and Veteran Support Program

Representatives from the VDVS benefits and Virginia Veteran and Family Support teams are available by appointment  (https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/request-an-appointment) at the locations below starting on March 15, 2021.

Abingdon                                Pentagon

Big Stone Gap                        Portsmouth

Charlottesville                       Quantico

Emporia                                   Salem

Fairfax                                     South Hill

Fort Belvoir                            Springfield

Fort Lee                                  Stanton

Henrico                                   Strasburg

Loudoun                                 Tazewell

Lynchburg                             Williamsburg

Wytheville

VDVS will limit the number of customers and employees in each location to ensure social distancing protocols are followed. Service areas at VDVS locations have installed partitions between employees and veterans, seating will be limited and spaced, and veterans will be asked to stay in their cars until 10 minutes before their appointment time. Facemasks must also be worn for all in person appointments. If accommodations need to be made regarding wearing a facemask, this should be noted when making an appointment.

VDVS does not charge a fee for any of its services. The online appointment tool is available on www.dvs.virginia.gov. Click here for direct online access to make an appointment. If you prefer not to make an appointment online, please call 804-482-8539 for assistance.

In addition, the following information provides updates regarding the operational status in each of VDVS’s core service areas:

Veteran Education, Transition and Employment Programs

All program representatives are available for virtual appointments. Questions may also be directed to 804 –786-0571.

 State Veterans Cemeteries

The Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery (Suffolk), Virginia Veterans Cemetery (Amelia) and the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery (Dublin) are fully operational and open to the public. Visit https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/cemeteries for further details on each cemetery.

Virginia Veteran Care Centers

The Virginia Veterans Care Center (VVCC) in Roanoke has resumed in-person family visits on a by appointment basis at the contactless indoor visitation station. Visits must be scheduled in advance. The Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center (SBVCC) in Richmond will begin offering the same service on Monday, March 15.  Family members should contact the care centers directly to schedule an appointment. To make an appointment you may contact the Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center at 804-371-8000 or the Virginia Veterans Care Center in Roanoke at (540) 982-2860.

Virginia War Memorial

The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond is open to the public seven days each week. Capacity inside the Memorial is limited to 50 visitors at this time. Questions regarding visitation may be directed to 804-786-2060 or by visiting www.vawarmemorial.org.

In response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), all VDVS facilities are following CDC guidelines. Social distancing will be adhered to in all locations and face masks will be required.  For ongoing updates, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov.