Doing research, I ran into a problem. The name on my DD214 doesn't match the name on my driver's license. I had changed my name back in 1984, and failed to notify the VA. It appears that I need to correct the name on my records. Then I can get a corrected DD214, and finally make an appointment to get a photo ID.
When I was in the emergency room with broken wrists, an application for VA heath coverage was approved using my old name.
To get store discounts where offered, all I need to do is take my DD214 (and notice of name change) to the place where I get my driver's license renewed. They will mark veteran on my replacement license.

My legal name is Michael. It can be Miss Michael. Or Michael can be pronounced Michelle.
Michelle

I went to the VA Administration Office at the VA Hospital. Gave them my name change order and they did it right there. Went to the DMV with the order and my old driver's license, and they changed it right there. You do not need to change your records, I didn't. You do not need a new DD214. Mine still has my old name on it. Now that I have the VA Veteran ID card, I don't even need the DD214. The VA records have my correct name and that's all they need.

I have never been in the VA hospital, and according to the map there are several buildings. I have never had a VA id card. According to the VA email, they are starting work on the road outside the hospital. A little more research and I could find out which building, or I could call and ask which building number for administration. One main state highway gets me a block away from the hospital. I finally got the phone number and address put into my phone, now I need to get the address into the car's navigation system.
I was hoping I could take my papers to a local VA office and get things straightened out.
Michelle

You might be able to.

Try calling them and ask for Administration. Even if the Admin Office is in another facility, they can connect you so you can get directions on where to go.

Here in the Black Hills of South Dakota, we have two VA Hospitals. One is in Hot Springs, and one is in Sturgis. I am half-way between them in Rapid City. Our Administration Office is in Sturgis, but if I call our local clinic here in Rapid City, they transfer me to the Sturgis office.

Try that so you don't need to travel all over looking for the right place.
Hope this helps.

I stopped at a local VA office and was greatly disappointed. The door was locked and a note on the door showed for that day, it was appointments only. One day had appointments in the morning, and walk-ins in the afternoon. Another day had walk-ins in the morning and appointments in the afternoon.
Make me think of some of the local thrift shops. Some days open in the morning, and closed in the afternoon. Other days closed in the morning, and open in the afternoon. And some days closed all day. The hours are not given on the web site.
Michelle

Michelle,

The website should have a phone number you can call to make an appointment or find out when their walk-in hours will be. I hope you can get it done.

Good luck.

I recently had cataract surgery, and got my new glasses yesterday. I went for a drive today and found myself at the VA health center in St. Cloud. That is a hour drive each way, and I have bladder issues. The name should now be straightened out. My first appointment will be on the 17th of this month. I understand they are waving the need for the VA health identification card for my first appointment. And they want medical records from my current doctor, Plus bottles of supplements.
Michelle

Hi Michelle,

I am so happy to hear that you have made progress in that area. I didn't get my VA ID for several weeks after my first appointment. I didn't know there was such a thing. But getting it goes super easy once you are a patient. They can take a picture and print one out right there at the appointment.

Progress is always a good thing.

Glad to hear you are getting it worked out, Michelle.

For any Canadians in a similar position, Veterans Affairs Canada was super easy to deal with.  I had never had any dealings with them until after I transitioned, so I was setting up a new record from scratch.  They asked for my SIN, my dead name and my date of birth, so that they could identify my military records.  Then they asked my current contact information: current name, address, phone number.  Done deal!  The name change from my military records was a non-issue.

My claim was for hearing loss.  Just a couple of forms to fill in, including written answers to why I thought it was related to my service and how it affected my life.  Within weeks, I had 100% coverage for anything hearing-related plus a small tax-free monthly pension.  I couldn't ask for better service.

I may have messed up. I did have my appointment with the doctor, and I have been waiting for my referral for mental health care. Looking again, it looks like the doctor was to help me get the appointment. The doctor was also new there. After my appointment, it was too late to get my ID card.
Meanwhile, I have had an appointment with an urologist due to a high PSA level. I will be going in for a pelvic MRI to check for cancer.
It looks like I will have to drive to st cloud again to see if I can get my ID card. HealtheVet shows that the name is sorted out.
Michelle

Typically, you will see your Primary doctor first. Then they will do a consult (Consultation Request) with Mental Health or any other service (Urology, Radiology, etc.). It's a shame you couldn't the ID yet. I'm glad HealtheVet got your name straightened out.

I drove to St. Cloud VA, and got My ID taken care of. I should receive it in the mail within 10 days. While I was there I got the behavioral health sorted out, and now I start on therapy sessions.
 When I was done at the VA for the day, I went to Crossroads mall. I got 2 bras from Victoria's Secret.
Michelle