Wisconsin Administrative Code Department of Veterans Affairs
1. Overview
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is the state agency responsible for serving veterans and their families. Its purpose is to:
Administer benefits and services for veterans.
Operate veterans homes and cemeteries.
Provide guidance on state and federal veterans’ programs.
Ensure compliance with state laws and policies affecting veterans.
The DVA’s authority and rules are codified in the Wisconsin Administrative Code, Chapter VA.
2. Key Functions of the Department
The Administrative Code outlines the DVA’s responsibilities, including:
Veterans Homes
Operates state veterans homes (e.g., King Veterans Home in Waupaca, Union Grove Veterans Home).
Sets admission criteria, care standards, and fees.
Establishes rules for medical, nursing, and residential services.
Veterans Cemeteries
Maintains state veterans cemeteries.
Sets eligibility for burial and memorial services.
Regulates cemetery operations, maintenance, and fees.
Claims and Benefits Assistance
Helps veterans apply for federal and state benefits.
Administers certain state-level veterans benefits, such as educational, housing, or property tax exemptions.
Grants and Funding
Provides grants to veteran service organizations and programs.
Administers funding for local veteran outreach, mental health, and reintegration programs.
Licensing and Regulation
Sets rules for facilities operated by the DVA.
Ensures compliance with health, safety, and staffing standards.
3. Administrative Code Structure
The Wisconsin Administrative Code for the DVA is organized into chapters labeled VA 1–14 (approximate):
VA 1–2: Definitions, general provisions, and organization.
VA 3–5: Operation of veterans homes, including admissions, care standards, and staffing.
VA 6–7: Medical and nursing care rules, including patient rights.
VA 8–9: Cemetery regulations, including eligibility, interment procedures, and maintenance.
VA 10–12: Veterans programs, grants, and benefits administration.
VA 13–14: Administrative procedures, reporting, and compliance enforcement.
Each section specifies responsibilities, eligibility requirements, recordkeeping, and enforcement procedures.
4. Key Rules and Standards
Some highlights include:
Eligibility: Veterans must meet service requirements to access state benefits or veterans homes.
Admission Procedures: Veterans homes require an application, medical evaluation, and fee determination based on income.
Care Standards: Homes must provide quality nursing, residential, and rehabilitative services.
Cemetery Operations: Only veterans, spouses, and eligible dependents may be interred. Rules govern headstones, markers, and ceremonies.
Reporting and Oversight: Homes and programs must comply with inspections, audits, and reporting to the DVA.
5. Ethical and Legal Compliance
All DVA operations must follow:
State statutes (Chapter 45, Wisconsin Statutes, covers veterans homes and programs).
Federal requirements for veterans’ benefits.
Administrative rules regarding safety, healthcare, and financial accountability.
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