I admire and commend the men and women who have fought for our freedom and continue to fight so that we may live in the greatest country in the world. They have upheld our values of liberty, justice, and self-determination. If you are a veteran living in Illinois’ 16th Congressional District, I am here to provide assistance with any federal agency, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense.
Whether you’re looking for more information about veterans’ benefits or having a time delay with a VA claim or an appeal, my office stands ready to assist you. If you would like for my office to help with a matter involving the VA or other military affairs, I will need your written permission to help with this issue. Please complete this privacy release form. Once the form is completed, please contact Miguel Ortiz in my Normal District Office at (309) 445–8080 or by email at miguel.ortiz@mail.house.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Am I eligible for VA benefits?
- How can I get a copy of my military records (discharge, medical, service etc.)?
- How can I get the medals I was awarded but never received?
- How can I get my VA claim or appeal processed faster?
- Am I eligible for VA benefits?
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To apply or find out if you are eligible for veterans’ benefits, please visit www.VA.gov.
Return to Top - How can I get a copy of my military records (discharge, medical, service etc.)?
- Most military records are stored at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. If you are trying to get records from your military service, or that of a family member, I will need your written permission to help with this issue. Please complete the privacy release form. Once the form is completed, please contact Miguel Ortiz in my Normal District Office at (309) 445–8080 or by email at miguel.ortiz@mail.house.gov. Return to Top
- How can I get the medals I was awarded but never received?
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Medals awarded while in active service are issued by each military service department if requested by the Veteran or his or her next of kin. Requests for replacement medals and awards should be directed to the branch of the military in which the Veteran served. If you are having issues obtaining yours or a loved one’s medal(s), please contact Miguel Ortiz in my Normal District Office at (309) 445–8080 or by email at miguel.ortiz@mail.house.gov.
Return to Top - How can I get my VA claim or appeal processed faster?
- The VA currently has many claims pending for various types of benefits. Because of that, many veterans feel that their case might be overlooked or handled improperly. I am always glad to help in these situations. At my request, the VA will "flag" a particular case and keep me updated throughout the process. However, it is important to know that I cannot act as the "representative" on a person's VA claim. You may still want a veteran representative or service officer to assist you with filing claims. My actions will not affect the work done by the person you select as your representative. If you would like my help with a VA issue, please complete the privacy release form. Once the form is completed, please contact Miguel Ortiz in my Normal District Office at (309) 445–8080 or by email at miguel.ortiz@mail.house.gov. Return to Top
IL-16 Helpful Veteran Service Links:
- Apply for VA Benefits: https://www.ebenefits.va.gov
- My HealtheVet: https://www.myhealth.va.gov
- Search all VA Forms: www.va.gov/VAFORMS
- American Legion
- AMVETS
- Assisted Living Research Institute
- DAV
- Disability Benefits
- IACO
- IAVA
- IDVA
- Illinois Joining Forces
- Illinois Marine
- NACVSO
- PVA
- VA
- VietNow
- VFW
- VFW IL Service Office
- VVA
