Welcome to Connecticut Veterans Affairs

US Department of the Army
US Marine Corps
US Navy
US Air Force
US Space Force
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Overhead shot of CT VA

CT Veterans Affairs salutes our Veterans

The mission of Connecticut Veterans Affairs is to assist Connecticut’s Veterans, across the spectrum of need, to ensure each Veteran and eligible family member receives the benefits and services they earned.

Connecticut Veterans Affairs accomplishes this mission through four core functions: Advocacy and Assistance, Residential Programs and Services, Skilled Nursing Facility, and Cemetery and Memorial Services. These core functions enable us to implement our motto “Serving Those Who Served.”

Connecticut has a rich history of providing support for Veterans and their families. CT Veterans Affairs is proud to carry on this legacy.

Understanding Veterans and Their Families Better in 2025

https://ctvideo.ct.gov/dva/Understanding_Veterans.mp4

Learn more about CT Veterans Affairs  

Core functions of CT Veterans Affairs

Veteran shaking hands

Advocacy and Assistance

Get help navigating Veterans benefits under federal, state, and local laws. Services are available to Veterans, their eligible spouses, and eligible dependents.
Find assistance  
Veterans cemetery

Cemetery and Memorial Services

It’s our solemn duty to honor Connecticut’s Veterans after they have passed. CT’s State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown is reserved for eligible Veterans and their spouses.
Learn about cemetery services  
Veterans Residential facility

Residential Programs

Our Rocky Hill, CT campus offers residential programs that give Veterans the opportunity for rehabilitation and recovery in a supportive community environment.
Explore residential programs  
Skilled nursing facility

Skilled Nursing Facility

The Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center cares for CT’s Veterans. We provide long-term skilled nursing care to Veterans with medical conditions requiring 24-hour clinical care.
View the skilled nursing facility  

CT Veterans Affairs leadership

Commissioner Ron Welch

Commissioner Ronald P. Welch

Ron Welch, Brigadier General, USA (Ret.) is a decorated combat Veteran with a distinguished career in the U.S. Army and Connecticut National Guard. After serving as an Airborne Ranger, he joined the National Guard.  During his nearly 40 years of service, he rose through the ranks from Private to Brigadier General. 

General Welch completed 37 military courses from tactical to strategic including a master’s from Army War College and a master’s from ECSU. He held 28 command and key staff assignments from platoon to Major Command Level. He deployed to Afghanistan as Senior Advisor and Team Chief and later served as Chief of Staff and Director of the Joint Staff, CTNG. In 2017, after retirement, General Welch became VP at Easterseals Veterans Rally Point, creating a one-stop center with comprehensive programs for service members, Veterans, and families. He was appointed as DVA Commissioner in May of 2023.
Read more on the Commissioner  
Deputy Commissioner Danao

Deputy Commissioner Joseph D. Danao II

Joe Danao, Deputy Commissioner began his career with the Connecticut Veterans Affairs in 2015, leading operations and projects as the Executive Assistant to the Commissioner including duties as Acting Commissioner. In his current role, he serves on multiple statewide committees on behalf of the Veterans Affairs.

Deputy Commissioner Danao is a retired Lieutenant Colonel serving more than 33 years in the Connecticut Army National Guard, including a deployment to Afghanistan. Throughout his military career, he received numerous military awards and holds degrees in accounting, business, taxation, fire science, military leadership and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Healthcare Executive Leadership.
Read more on the Deputy Commissioner  

Board of Trustees

Veteran saluting

Meet our Board

Our Board of Trustees is made up of 18 voting members focused on helping CT Veterans. Meetings are open to the public.
  • Members 
    See who’s on the CT Veterans Affairs Board of Trustees.
  • Annual Reports 
    Read our Board of Trustees annual reports.
  • Meetings 
    Read agendas and minutes from our Board meetings.
  • Legislation 
    Learn the rules and regulations of the Board of Trustees.

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