VVA Connecticut Chapters, Membership, and Benefits

Vietnam Veterans of America Connecticut: Chapters, Membership, and Benefits Guide

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) operates four chapters in Connecticut—Chapter 120 (Greater Hartford/East Hartford), Chapter 251 (Milford/Southern Connecticut), Chapter 270 (Niantic), and Chapter 484 (East Haven)—under the VVA Connecticut State Council. VVA membership is open to veterans who served on active duty in Vietnam between November 1, 1955, and May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964, and May 7, 1975. Chapters provide VA claims assistance, Agent Orange outreach, and community support at no charge.

Quick Facts

What Vietnam Veterans of America Is and Why It Matters in Connecticut

VVA is the only national Vietnam veterans organization congressionally chartered and exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families. It was founded in 1978 to advocate for the needs of Vietnam veterans, who at the time faced inadequate VA care, Agent Orange exposure, and PTSD recognition. In Connecticut, VVA operates through four local chapters that provide direct claims assistance, peer support, and legislative advocacy.

For Connecticut Vietnam veterans, VVA matters for three practical reasons. First, VVA service officers are accredited by the VA and can represent veterans in disability claims and appeals at no charge. Second, VVA chapters serve as the frontline network for Agent Orange and toxic exposure education, connecting veterans with the PACT Act benefits they may not know they qualify for. Third, VVA chapters preserve the social connection that many Vietnam veterans did not receive when they returned home.

VVA Chapters in Connecticut

Connecticut has four VVA chapters, each serving a distinct geographic region. The chapters operate under the VVA Connecticut State Council, which coordinates legislative and outreach activities across the state.

VVA Chapter 120 – Greater Hartford (East Hartford)

Chapter 120 is the Greater Hartford chapter, based at 357 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06118 (Machinists Union Hall). The phone number is (860) 568-9212. The chapter holds membership meetings on the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the IAM Union Hall, 357 Main Street, East Hartford. Chapter 120 has historically been one of the larger Connecticut chapters, with membership reported at 258 total members in 2018—including 223 life members. The chapter sponsors an annual scholarship fund for veteran students at Goodwin University and participates in local Memorial Day and Veterans Day events.

VVA Chapter 251 – Southern Connecticut (Milford)

Chapter 251 serves Milford and southern Connecticut from 45 New Haven Avenue, Milford, CT 06460. The phone number is (203) 877-9307. The chapter provides advocacy, community support, and local veteran services, and has participated in food drives and community events in the Milford area. Robert Chechoski has been identified as the chapter’s treasurer.

VVA Chapter 270 – Niantic (Southeastern Connecticut)

Chapter 270 , known as the Albert J. Morton Jr. Chapter, is based at 106 Flanders Road, Niantic, CT 06357. The phone number is (860) 464-9185, and the email contact is gerfab@comcast.net. The chapter provides a color guard for local ceremonies and marches in the annual Norwich Memorial Day Parade. Chapter 270 serves veterans in southeastern Connecticut, including the New London and Norwich areas.

VVA Chapter 484 – East Haven

Chapter 484 serves the greater New Haven and East Haven area from 41 Hobson Street, East Haven, CT 06512. The phone number is (203) 468-6611, and the email is vvanewsct@gmail.com. The chapter has organized the annual East Haven fireworks and beach party and has participated in local toy drives and community fundraisers. Chapter 484 is an active presence in the New Haven County veteran community.

VVA Connecticut State Council

The VVA Connecticut State Council is the statewide coordinating body for the four chapters. As of 2026, Linda Schwartz was installed as the Connecticut State Council president, and Roger Hebert Anderson has also been listed as president in IRS filings. The state council’s role is to advocate for Connecticut Vietnam veterans at the state and federal level, coordinate Agent Orange and PACT Act outreach, and support chapter-level service officer programs. The council is part of VVA’s Region 1, which covers the New England states.

VVA Membership Eligibility and Dues

VVA membership is open to U.S. military veterans who served on active duty—for purposes other than training—under one of two qualifying service windows:

• In-country Vietnam service: February 28, 1961, to May 7, 1975.

• Any duty location Vietnam-era service: August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975.

National Guard and Reserve members must have been called to federal active duty to be eligible. Veterans who served in other locations during the Vietnam era, but not in Vietnam or a qualifying duty location, may still join as Associate members through the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA), which is open to anyone—including family members, friends, and veterans of other eras.

Proof of Service

Applicants must submit a DD-214 as the preferred proof of service. If the DD-214 is unavailable, discharge certificates, orders, or awards may be accepted; a Standard Form SF-180 can be used to obtain the DD-214.

VVA Dues Schedule (2026)

Dues are payable to VVA National, PO Box 64299, Baltimore, MD 21264-4299. Membership includes a free subscription to The VVA Veteran, the organization’s award-winning newspaper.

How Connecticut VVA Chapters Help with VA Claims and Benefits

Connecticut VVA chapters provide free VA claims assistance through accredited VVA service officers. A VVA service officer is recognized by the VA to represent claimants at the regional office, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and other levels of the claims process. This representation is provided at no charge, making it a critical resource for Vietnam veterans who may be navigating complex Agent Orange, PTSD, or PACT Act claims.

VVA Service Officer Program in Connecticut

The VVA Connecticut Service Officer Program has been supported by grants from the Veterans Support Foundation, allowing it to continue helping Connecticut veterans pursue claims and appeals with the Veterans Benefits Administration. Gary Waterhouse is a VVA service officer located in South Windsor, Connecticut, who assists veterans from all eras with VA benefits. Veterans seeking help can contact their local chapter or the state council for a referral to an accredited service officer.

What a VVA Service Officer Can Do

• File an initial disability compensation claim (VA Form 21-526EZ).

• Submit a Supplemental Claim with new evidence for a previously denied condition.

• Request a Higher-Level Review or file a Board Appeal.

• Assist with Agent Orange presumptive claims and PACT Act toxic exposure claims.

• Help survivors file DIC and Survivors Pension claims.

• Coordinate with the Hartford VA Regional Benefit Office in Newington.

Agent Orange and the PACT Act: What Connecticut Vietnam Veterans Need to Know

The PACT Act of 2022 expanded VA benefits for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange and other toxic substances. The law added more than 20 presumptive conditions related to toxic exposure, including two new Agent Orange presumptive conditions: high blood pressure (hypertension) and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) . The PACT Act also added new presumptive exposure locations for Agent Orange, including Thailand at any U.S. or Royal Thai base from January 9, 1962, to June 30, 1976.

Agent Orange Presumptive Conditions (Partial List)

The VA recognizes the following conditions as presumptively caused by Agent Orange exposure for qualifying Vietnam veterans:

• AL amyloidosis

• Chloracne (within one year of exposure)

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

• Parkinsonism

• Bladder cancer

• Hypothyroidism

• Hodgkin’s disease

• Ischemic heart disease

• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

• Prostate cancer

• Respiratory cancers

• Soft tissue sarcomas

• Multiple myeloma

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Porphyria cutanea tarda

• Hypertension (added under PACT Act)

• MGUS (added under PACT Act)

A veteran with a qualifying presumption does not need to prove that service caused the condition; the VA presumes exposure and causation.

How Connecticut VVA Chapters Support Agent Orange Claims

VVA has a long history of Agent Orange education and town hall outreach. The organization’s Faces of Agent Orange campaign and town hall meetings have been used to educate veterans and communities about the ongoing health effects of herbicide exposure. Connecticut chapters can help veterans file a Supplemental Claim if a previous Agent Orange claim was denied before the PACT Act, or file a new claim for a newly presumptive condition.

Connecticut also has a state-level Agent Orange registry and has considered legislation recognizing Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. The state legislature has held hearings on Agent Orange recognition and the health effects on Connecticut veterans and their families. Veterans should contact their VVA chapter or the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs for current information on state-level Agent Orange programs.

Connecticut State Benefits for Vietnam-Era Veterans

Vietnam-era veterans in Connecticut may qualify for state benefits that supplement VA compensation and pension. The most significant are property tax relief and the state tuition waiver.

Connecticut Property Tax Exemption

Connecticut provides a basic veterans property tax exemption of at least $1,500 in assessed value** for honorably discharged wartime veterans. The exemption applies to real estate and, in many municipalities, motor vehicles. Veterans must file their **DD-214 with the town clerk** and, for the additional income-based exemption, apply with the local tax assessor. Municipalities may also offer an **additional local option exemption** of up to **$20,000 or 10% of assessed value for qualifying veterans.

Veterans with a 100% permanent and total (P&T) VA disability rating may qualify for a full property tax exemption on their primary residence under Connecticut law. Vietnam veterans with Agent Orange-related conditions rated at 100% P&T should apply at their local tax assessor’s office with their VA rating decision.

Connecticut State Veterans Tuition Waiver

The Connecticut State Veterans Tuition Waiver waives tuition at Connecticut public colleges and universities—including UConn, the Connecticut State Universities, and Charter Oak State College—for eligible veterans. To qualify, a Vietnam-era veteran must have:

1. Honorable discharge or release under honorable conditions.

2. At least 90 days of active duty during a federally recognized period of war (the Vietnam era qualifies), unless discharged earlier for a service-connected disability.

3. Connecticut residency at the time of acceptance to the institution.

4. Formal admission to a degree program.

The waiver covers tuition only, not fees, room, board, or books. Veterans should apply through the Office of Veterans Affairs or financial aid office at their institution before the fee bill deadline. The waiver is not automatic and must be reapplied for or confirmed each term.

Common Questions

What VVA chapters are in Connecticut?

Connecticut has four VVA chapters: Chapter 120 in East Hartford (Greater Hartford), Chapter 251 in Milford (Southern Connecticut), Chapter 270 in Niantic (Southeastern Connecticut), and Chapter 484 in East Haven (Greater New Haven). Each chapter provides claims assistance, meetings, and community events.

Who is eligible for VVA membership?

VVA membership is open to veterans who served on active duty in Vietnam from November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975, or in any duty location from August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975 . National Guard and Reserve members must have been called to federal active duty. A DD-214 is required as proof of service.

How much does VVA membership cost?

Annual individual dues are $20 per year** or **$50 for three years. Life membership ranges from $150 to $225 depending on age, with a monthly payment plan available. Dues include a subscription to The VVA Veteran newspaper.

Can VVA help me file a VA disability claim in Connecticut?

Yes. VVA service officers are VA-accredited and can represent veterans in disability claims and appeals at no charge. Connecticut’s VVA service officer program has been supported by grants and assists veterans with initial claims, Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Reviews, and Board Appeals.

Does the PACT Act apply to Vietnam veterans in Connecticut?

Yes. The PACT Act expanded Agent Orange presumptive conditions and added new exposure locations, including Thailand. Vietnam veterans with qualifying conditions can file a claim even if previously denied. Connecticut VVA chapters can help file a Supplemental Claim with new evidence.

What is the Connecticut property tax exemption for Vietnam veterans?

The basic exemption is at least $1,500 in assessed value for honorably discharged wartime veterans. Municipalities may offer additional exemptions. Veterans with a 100% P&T rating may qualify for a full property tax exemption on their primary residence.

Does Connecticut offer a tuition waiver for Vietnam veterans?

Yes. The Connecticut State Veterans Tuition Waiver covers tuition at public colleges and universities for veterans with at least 90 days of wartime active duty and Connecticut residency. The waiver covers tuition only and must be applied for through the institution before the fee bill deadline.

Where is the Hartford VA Regional Office?

The Hartford VA Regional Benefit Office is at 555 Willard Avenue, Building 2E, Newington, CT 06111. The mailing address is P.O. Box 310909, Newington, CT 06131. The main phone number is 1-800-827-1000. In-person hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Can family members join VVA?

Family members and supporters can join the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA) , which is open to anyone regardless of veteran status. AVVA works alongside VVA chapters to support Vietnam veterans and their families.

How do I find my local Connecticut VVA chapter?

Contact the chapter nearest you: Chapter 120 at (860) 568-9212; Chapter 251 at (203) 877-9307; Chapter 270 at (860) 464-9185; or Chapter 484 at (203) 468-6611. You can also visit vva.org for the national chapter locator.

Key Takeaways

• Connecticut has four VVA chapters: Chapter 120 (East Hartford), Chapter 251 (Milford), Chapter 270 (Niantic), and Chapter 484 (East Haven), coordinated by the VVA Connecticut State Council.

• VVA membership is open to Vietnam-era veterans who served in-country from November 1, 1955, to May 7, 1975, or in any duty location from August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975.

• **Annual dues are $20**, and life membership ranges from $150 to $225 depending on age.

• VVA service officers provide free VA claims representation, including help with Agent Orange and PACT Act claims.

• The PACT Act added hypertension and MGUS as Agent Orange presumptive conditions and expanded exposure locations to include Thailand.

• Connecticut offers a basic property tax exemption of at least $1,500 for wartime veterans and a full exemption for 100% P&T veterans.

• The Connecticut State Veterans Tuition Waiver covers tuition at public colleges for qualifying Vietnam-era veterans with 90+ days of wartime service.

• The Hartford VA Regional Benefit Office in Newington processes disability, pension, and survivor claims for Connecticut veterans.

• AVVA is open to family members and supporters who want to support Vietnam veterans and VVA’s mission.

• Connecticut has a state-level Agent Orange registry and has considered legislation recognizing Agent Orange-exposed veterans.

Official Resources

• Vietnam Veterans of America (National): https://vva.org — chapter locator, membership, service officer program, Agent Orange resources.

• VVA Chapter 484 (East Haven): https://vva.org/chapter/vva-chapter-484/ — contact information and chapter overview.

• VVA Chapter 270 (Niantic): https://vva.org/chapter/vva-chapter-270/ — contact information and chapter overview.

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Agent Orange: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/ — presumptive conditions, exposure locations, claim instructions.

• VA Hartford Regional Benefit Office: https://www.benefits.va.gov/hartford/ — claims processing, appointments, regional office information.

• Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs: https://portal.ct.gov/dva — state benefits advocacy, Rocky Hill Veterans Home, cemetery services.

• Connecticut General Assembly – Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee: https://www.cga.ct.gov — state legislation affecting veterans, including property tax and tuition waiver changes.

• Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov — coordination of VA benefits with Social Security disability and retirement.

• Medicare.gov: https://www.medicare.gov — coordination of VA health care with Medicare for veterans age 65 and older.

• USA.gov – Veterans Benefits: https://www.usa.gov/veterans-benefits — federal portal for benefits across agencies.