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Danny Hayes
Director of Veterans Affairs
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Address:
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1 Memorial Drive
Danbury, CT 06810
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Telephone:
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203-743-3932
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About Us:
The Director of Veterans Affairs is responsible for the knowledge of federal and state laws, benefits, and rights available to veterans and their dependents. The director interviews local veterans to determine initial and continuing eligibility for benefits. Information is then verified and evaluated and applications are prepared and filed with the appropriate local, state, or federal agencies. Veterans Affairs provides referrals, information, and answers inquiries regarding veterans’ benefits, and interprets laws and regulations to veterans and eligible dependents. Through this office, veterans are also assisted with the preparation and filing of appeals of decisions denying benefits when required. The Director also serves as local Chairman of the state Soldiers, Sailors & Marine Fund; speaks before interested groups on laws relating to veteran benefits; prepares reports, budgets, and maintains office files and case folders.
Our Accomplishments:
In the last 28 years, the Veterans Affairs Office has served 9,768 veterans as well as family members. Veterans Affairs Office continues to reach out to several national and local organizations to coordinate a “Welcome Home Package” for new veterans. These packages contain both federal and state benefits information and provide our new veterans with aid, various program information and additional resources.
The office is committed to continuing its efforts at securing grant funding for veterans. The director worked in unison with other veteran’s affairs administrators and our legislators to continue to obtain monetary funding for the full time V.A. Medical Clinic in Danbury which serve all of our area veterans. The Disabled American Veterans Van, used for transporting local veterans, drove 516 veterans throughout the year to the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers at no cost to the city. In addition, the office continued working closely with the medical clinic to reduce a large backlog of patients.
In addition to annual VA monetary funding, for the office received an additional $51,408.00 from the State of Connecticut’s Soldiers, Sailors & Marine Fund.