Connecticut Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources

Connecticut is home to approximately 135,600 veterans—about 4.6% of the state's adult civilian population. Despite being the third-smallest state geographically, Connecticut operates world-class VA healthcare facilities, offers generous education benefits, and hosts major defense contractors actively hiring veterans.

The state's compact size is a hidden advantage: nowhere in Connecticut is more than 90 minutes from a VA medical center. Combined with strong veteran support infrastructure and the submarine community at Groton, Connecticut offers unique advantages for veterans—though the high cost of living remains a significant challenge.

This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Connecticut veterans navigating healthcare, education, and employment.

Bottom Line Up Front

Healthcare: 1 major VA medical center (West Haven), 1 specialty campus (Newington), 8 community-based clinics, and 2 state veterans homes—excellent coverage for a small state

Education: State tuition waiver program covering full tuition at public colleges/universities, strong Yellow Ribbon participation at UConn, 100% in-state tuition for GI Bill users

Employment: Electric Boat hiring 3,000+ in 2025, Pratt & Whitney, Sikorsky, state hiring preference, strong submarine industry presence

Veteran Population Hotspots: Fairfield County (Stamford/Bridgeport area), Hartford County, New London County (submarine base community)

Biggest advantage: Small state means excellent healthcare access—West Haven VAMC serves entire state effectively

Biggest challenge: High cost of living (21.6% above national average) impacts even veterans with strong employment

VA Healthcare Facilities in Connecticut

Connecticut operates one of the most efficient VA healthcare systems in the country. The VA Connecticut Healthcare System serves 58,853 veterans annually with 10 sites of care statewide.

VA Connecticut Healthcare System - West Haven Medical Center

Main Campus Address: 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516 Phone: (203) 932-5711 24-Hour Nurse Line: (203) 937-4767 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department

Bed count: 182 operating beds Annual outpatient visits: 748,747 Annual budget: $853 million (FY 2023)

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health and PTSD treatment (comprehensive programs)
• Surgery (general, orthopedic, vascular)
• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Spinal cord injury center
• Polytrauma support
• Women's health center
• Prosthetics
• Pharmacy
• Audiology
• Optometry
• Dental (limited eligibility)

Specialty Programs:

• New England Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center
• Homeless veteran programs (HCHV, HUD-VASH)
• PTSD Clinical Team
• Substance abuse treatment
• Telehealth services

Academic affiliation: Yale School of Medicine (trains 675+ physicians and dentists annually, plus 685+ students in nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, and other fields)

Quality rating: West Haven VAMC achieves 100% performance scores on multiple Surgical Care Improvement Project quality measures, outperforming Connecticut state averages. The facility receives consistently positive patient reviews, with veterans praising prompt service, professional staff, and excellent care quality.

Why it matters: West Haven is one of the top 10 VA facilities nationally for research funding and serves as the primary medical center for all of Connecticut. The Yale affiliation ensures cutting-edge medical care.

Parking: Available on-site, can be challenging during peak hours—arrive 15 minutes early for appointments.

VA Connecticut Healthcare System - Newington Campus

Address: 555 Willard Avenue, Newington, CT 06111 Phone: (860) 666-6951

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health services
• Urgent care
• Specialty care
• Vision services
• Dental services
• Women's health
• Audiology
• Laboratory services

Why it matters: Newington provides crucial access for veterans in central Connecticut, reducing drive times to West Haven.

Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

Connecticut operates 8 CBOCs providing primary care and mental health services closer to veterans' homes.

1. Danbury VA Clinic

Address: 7 Germantown Road, Danbury, CT 06810 Phone: (203) 798-8422 Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory Serves: Western Connecticut

2. New London VA Clinic

Address: 1 VFW Parkway, Suite 2, New London, CT 06320 Phone: (860) 437-3611 Services: Primary care, mental health, women's health Serves: Southeastern Connecticut, submarine base community

3. Orange VA Clinic

Address: 170 Boston Post Road, Orange, CT 06477 Phone: (203) 795-1292 Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory, optometry Serves: South central Connecticut

4. Stamford VA Clinic

Address: 1275 Summer Street, 2nd Floor, Stamford, CT 06905 Phone: (203) 325-0649 Services: Primary care, mental health Serves: Southwestern Connecticut, Fairfield County

5. Waterbury VA Clinic

Address: 95 Scovill Street, Waterbury, CT 06706 Phone: (203) 465-5292 Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory Serves: Northwestern Connecticut

6. Willimantic VA Clinic

Address: 133 Mansfield Avenue, Willimantic, CT 06226 Phone: (860) 450-7583 Services: Primary care, mental health Serves: Eastern Connecticut

7. Winsted VA Clinic

Address: 115 Spencer Street, Winsted, CT 06098 Phone: (860) 738-6985 Services: Primary care, mental health Serves: Northwestern Connecticut (Litchfield County)

8. West Haven CBOC

Address: 141 Captain Thomas Boulevard, West Haven, CT 06516 Phone: (203) 932-5711 ext. 5594 Services: Primary care overflow from main hospital Serves: Greater New Haven area

Additional VA Facilities

Norwich Vet Center Address: 2 Cliff Street, Norwich, CT 06360 Phone: (860) 887-1755 Services: Readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, military sexual trauma support, family counseling, bereavement counseling

Note: Vet Centers are separate from VA medical centers and provide free counseling services to combat veterans and their families. No enrollment required.

VA Intake Site at Naval Submarine Base New London Location: Fleet & Family Support Center, Building 83, Groton, CT Services: VA enrollment assistance, benefits information for transitioning submariners

Wait Times and Access Reality

Average wait times (primary care): 3-15 days depending on location and urgency

Mental health: Usually within 7 days for urgent needs

Specialty care: 15-45 days depending on specialty

Best practices:

• Enroll immediately upon separation, even if you don't need care yet
• Use VA's online scheduling through MyHealtheVet
• Consider community care if wait times exceed 20 days and qualify
• Multiple CBOCs mean you can often get faster appointments at different locations
• Telehealth appointments available for many services

Small state advantage: Connecticut's compact size means even if your nearest CBOC is busy, another facility is typically within 30-45 minutes.

Quality ratings: West Haven VAMC consistently rates above average nationally, particularly for surgical care, cardiology, and mental health services.

How to Enroll in VA Healthcare

Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit West Haven VAMC or any CBOC with your DD-214

Documents needed:

• DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
• Social Security card
• Insurance information (if applicable)
• Driver's license or state ID

Processing time: Usually same-day or within 5 business days

Priority groups: Your enrollment priority group determines copays and eligibility. 50%+ disabled veterans receive Priority Group 1 (highest priority, no copays).

State Veterans Homes (Nursing Care)

Connecticut operates two state veterans homes providing skilled nursing care.

Connecticut Veterans Home and Hospital - Rocky Hill

Address: 287 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 Phone: (860) 616-3600 Facility name: Sgt. John L. Levitow Healthcare Center Capacity: 125 skilled nursing beds

Services:

• Skilled nursing care
• Short-term rehabilitation
• Long-term care
• Memory care
• Respite care

Quality rating: 5-star rating from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)—the highest possible rating

Eligibility:

• Honorably discharged veterans
• Connecticut resident for at least one year before admission
• Must require skilled nursing level of care

Cost: Sliding scale based on income, assets, and VA benefits. VA Aid and Attendance can help cover costs.

Connecticut Veterans Home - Newington

Address: 555 Willard Avenue, Newington, CT 06111 Phone: (860) 666-6951 Services: Skilled nursing, residential care

How to apply for either home: Call 1-800-404-8387 or visit portal.ct.gov/dva

Application process:

1. Contact Connecticut DVA to verify eligibility
2. Complete application packet
3. Provide DD-214, medical records, financial information
4. Facility assessment to determine level of care needed
5. Placement when bed becomes available

Wait times: Varies by demand, typically 30-180 days

Education Benefits for Connecticut Veterans

Connecticut offers one of the most generous state-level education benefit programs in the nation.

Connecticut State Veterans Tuition Waiver

This is Connecticut's flagship education benefit—full tuition waiver for eligible veterans at public colleges and universities.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Honorably discharged or released under honorable conditions
• Served 90+ days active duty during wartime OR separated earlier due to service-connected disability
• Accepted for admission at Connecticut public college or university
• Living in Connecticut at time of acceptance (includes residency less than one year)

Qualifying Schools:

• All 12 Connecticut Community Colleges
• All 4 Connecticut State Universities (Central, Eastern, Southern, Western)
• University of Connecticut (all campuses)
• Charter Oak State College
• Total: 17+ public institutions

What's Covered:

• 100% tuition waiver for credit courses at state universities
• 100% tuition waiver for community colleges (excluding summer/intersession Extension Fund courses)
• 50% course fee waiver for Extension Fund courses (summer, intersession) at state universities
• 50% course fee waiver for Charter Oak State College

What's NOT Covered:

• Course fees (technology fees, lab fees, etc.)
• Books and supplies
• Parking
• Room and board
• Non-credit courses

How it works with GI Bill: The state pays the difference between what your GI Bill covers and the full tuition cost. If you're using Post-9/11 GI Bill:

1. GI Bill pays tuition up to cap
2. Connecticut waiver covers remaining tuition
3. Result: Full tuition covered, you keep your housing allowance

Application Process:

1. Get accepted to a Connecticut public college/university
2. Verify eligibility through County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) or Connecticut DVA
3. Apply annually (paperwork typically due May/June)
4. Submit completed application to your school's financial aid office
5. Waiver applied directly to tuition bill

Annual renewal: Yes, must reapply each academic year

Contact: Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs at (860) 616-3600 or your County Veterans Service Office

Post-9/11 GI Bill - In-State Tuition for Veterans

All Connecticut public universities must offer in-state tuition to veterans using GI Bill benefits, regardless of residency status (if enrolled within 3 years of discharge and living in Connecticut while attending).

Result: Out-of-state veterans save $10,000-$20,000 per year in tuition differences.

Top GI Bill Schools in Connecticut

University of Connecticut (UConn)

Main campus: Storrs, CT Veteran enrollment: 500+ student veterans In-state tuition: ~$17,226 (2025) Out-of-state tuition: ~$41,608 (2025) BAH rate: ~$2,100/month (Storrs area)

Yellow Ribbon Program: UConn participates in Yellow Ribbon (verify current participation and slot availability with Office of Veterans Affairs)

Veteran Resources:

• Office of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs
• Dedicated veteran student space
• Priority registration
• Veteran-specific orientation
• Peer mentorship program

Phone: (860) 486-2442 Website: veterans.uconn.edu

Academic strengths: Engineering, business, nursing, pharmacy (all ranked nationally)

Connecticut state tuition waiver + GI Bill: Full tuition coverage plus housing allowance

Connecticut State Universities

Central Connecticut State University (CCSU)

• Location: New Britain, CT
• Veteran enrollment: 300+
• In-state tuition: ~$12,162
• Strong programs: Business, education, technology

Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU)

• Location: Willimantic, CT
• Veteran enrollment: 200+
• In-state tuition: ~$12,558
• Strong programs: Liberal arts, education

Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU)

• Location: New Haven, CT
• Veteran enrollment: 250+
• In-state tuition: ~$12,384
• Strong programs: Education, business, social work

Western Connecticut State University (WCSU)

• Location: Danbury, CT
• Veteran enrollment: 200+
• In-state tuition: ~$12,246
• Tuition waiver info: wcsu.edu/veterans/tuition-waivers

CSU advantage: Lower tuition than UConn, smaller class sizes, strong regional employers, excellent veteran support offices, state tuition waiver covers full tuition

Connecticut Community Colleges

12 community colleges across Connecticut offering associate degrees and certificates:

• Asnuntuck Community College (Enfield)
• Capital Community College (Hartford)
• Gateway Community College (New Haven)
• Housatonic Community College (Bridgeport)
• Manchester Community College (Manchester)
• Middlesex Community College (Middletown)
• Naugatuck Valley Community College (Waterbury)
• Northwestern Connecticut Community College (Winsted)
• Norwalk Community College (Norwalk)
• Quinebaug Valley Community College (Danielson)
• Three Rivers Community College (Norwich)
• Tunxis Community College (Farmington)

Average tuition: $4,700/year for full-time in-state With state tuition waiver: $0 tuition With GI Bill + waiver: $0 tuition + housing allowance ($1,800-$2,400/month depending on location)

Career programs: Nursing, manufacturing technology, IT, HVAC, automotive technology, welding

Private Universities with Yellow Ribbon

Yale University (New Haven)

• Yellow Ribbon: Limited slots, highly competitive admission
• Full tuition potential coverage for selected veterans

Quinnipiac University (Hamden)

• Yellow Ribbon: Varies by program
• Good veteran support services

Fairfield University (Fairfield)

• Yellow Ribbon participation (verify current status)
• Strong business and nursing programs

Vocational Training and Apprenticeships

Connecticut apprenticeship programs eligible for GI Bill:

Industries:

• Electrical work (IBEW apprenticeships)
• Plumbing and pipefitting (UA apprenticeships)
• HVAC (Sheet Metal Workers)
• Manufacturing (advanced manufacturing certificates)
• IT and cybersecurity
• Submarine manufacturing (Electric Boat partnerships)

GI Bill benefit: Monthly housing allowance on top of apprenticeship wages

Where to find programs: Connecticut Department of Labor at (860) 263-6580 or ct.gov/dol

Employment Resources for Connecticut Veterans

State Hiring Preference

Connecticut law provides veterans' preference for state government jobs.

Who qualifies:

• Honorably discharged veterans
• Veterans with service-connected disabilities receive additional preference

How it works: Veterans receive preference in hiring for state civil service positions

Where to apply: das.ct.gov/cr (State of Connecticut careers portal)

Major state employers:

• Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT)
• Department of Corrections
• Department of Motor Vehicles
• State universities and colleges
• Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
• State police (trooper positions)

Average state salary: $60,000-$80,000 depending on position Benefits: Excellent pension, healthcare, job security

Connecticut Department of Labor - Veterans Services

Phone: (860) 263-6580 Website: portal.ct.gov/dol/divisions/veterans-services

Services:

• Priority of service at American Job Centers
• Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists
• Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER)
• Job search assistance
• Resume writing workshops
• Interview preparation
• Skills translation (military to civilian)
• Apprenticeship referrals

American Job Centers: Located in major Connecticut cities (Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, Norwich)

Major Defense Contractors Hiring Veterans

Connecticut has one of the highest concentrations of defense industry employment in America.

General Dynamics Electric Boat

Locations: Groton (primary), Quonset Point RI Hiring plan: 3,000+ new employees in 2025 Current workforce: 24,000+ in RI and CT Target workforce: 33,000 by 2028

Programs:

• Virginia-class attack submarines
• Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines (lead boat)

Typical roles:

• Welders, pipefitters, electricians (skilled trades)
• Nuclear engineers
• Systems engineers
• Project managers
• Quality assurance specialists
• Design engineers

Pay range:

• Skilled trades: $55,000-$95,000
• Engineering: $75,000-$130,000
• Program management: $90,000-$150,000

Veteran advantages:

• Security clearance experience highly valued
• Submarine veterans fit naturally into submarine construction
• Manufacturing trades directly transfer
• DoD experience preferred

How to apply: ebcareers.com

Retention: Electric Boat maintains 89% retention rate while hiring at unprecedented levels

Pratt & Whitney (RTX)

Location: East Hartford (headquarters), Middletown Programs: Aircraft engines, space propulsion Workforce: 10,000+ in Connecticut

Typical roles:

• Aerospace engineers
• Manufacturing engineers
• Test engineers
• Program managers
• Supply chain specialists
• Quality engineers

Pay range: $70,000-$140,000

Veteran programs: Military Skills Translator tool on careers site

How to apply: rtx.com/careers

Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin)

Location: Stratford (headquarters) Programs: Black Hawk helicopters, presidential helicopters, maritime helicopters Workforce: 8,000+ in Connecticut

Typical roles:

• Aerospace engineers
• Systems engineers
• Manufacturing (assembly, composites)
• Flight test engineers
• Program managers

Pay range: $65,000-$135,000

Veteran programs: Lockheed Martin has robust military hiring initiatives

How to apply: lockheedmartin.com/careers

Other Major Veteran-Friendly Employers

Healthcare (Major employers in state with high cost of living):

• Yale New Haven Health System
• Hartford HealthCare
• Trinity Health Of New England
• Connecticut Children's Medical Center

Insurance/Financial:

• The Hartford
• Travelers
• Aetna (CVS Health)
• Webster Bank
• People's United Bank

Manufacturing:

• Stanley Black & Decker (New Britain)
• Kaman Corporation (Bloomfield)
• Barnes Group (Bristol)

Logistics:

• UPS (distribution centers)
• FedEx
• Amazon (fulfillment centers)

Retail:

• Stop & Shop
• Big Y
• Home Depot
• Lowe's

Federal Employment (Beyond VA)

Connecticut has significant federal employment opportunities:

USAJOBS.gov: Federal job portal with veterans' preference

Major federal employers in Connecticut:

• U.S. Coast Guard (New London)
• U.S. Submarine Force (Groton)
• Internal Revenue Service (Hartford offices)
• Social Security Administration
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (New Haven field office)
• Department of Defense civilian positions at submarine base

Veterans' preference: 5-point or 10-point preference depending on disability status and other factors

Submarine Community Employment

The Groton/New London area offers unique opportunities for submarine veterans:

Electric Boat: Obvious fit for submarine veterans Naval Submarine School: Civilian instructor positions Defense contractors: SAIC, BAE Systems, General Atomics (all have presence supporting submarine base) Base support services: Civilian positions at Naval Submarine Base New London

Why it matters: Submarine veterans find instant credibility and community in the Groton area. The combination of Electric Boat's massive hiring, base contractor positions, and veteran-friendly culture makes this area uniquely attractive for submarine veterans.

Entrepreneur Resources

Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC)

• Free consulting for veteran entrepreneurs
• Help with business plans, funding, marketing
• Phone: (860) 486-4135
• Website: ctsbdc.com

Boots to Business

• SBA program teaching business fundamentals to veterans
• Offered through Connecticut DVA and SBA offices

APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC)

• Helps veteran businesses compete for government contracts
• Connecticut office: (860) 571-7136

Support Services

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)

• Headquarters: 287 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067
• Phone: (860) 616-3600
• Veterans Info Line: 1-866-928-8387
• Email: oaa.dva@ct.gov
• Website: portal.ct.gov/dva
• Services: VA claims assistance, state benefits information, advocacy, burial services

Five District Offices:

1st District - Rocky Hill

• Address: 196 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT 06067
• Phone: (860) 616-2336
• Email: oaa-d1.dva@ct.gov

2nd District - Norwich

• Address: 100 Broadway, Room 305, Norwich, CT 06360
• Phone: (860) 887-9162
• Email: oaa-d2.dva@ct.gov
• Serves: Submarine base community, eastern Connecticut

3rd District - Milford

• Address: 70 West River Street, Milford, CT 06460
• Phone: (203) 874-6711
• Email: oaa-d3.dva@ct.gov

4th District - Fairfield

• Address: 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824
• Phone: (203) 418-2005
• Email: oaa-d4.dva@ct.gov

5th District - Waterbury

• Address: 55 West Main Street, Suite 140, Waterbury, CT 06702
• Phone: (203) 805-6340
• Email: oaa-d5.dva@ct.gov

American Legion: 100+ posts statewide Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): 75+ posts Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Chapters in major cities Vietnam Veterans of America: Multiple chapters

Mental Health Resources

Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

Norwich Vet Center (serves entire state)

• Address: 2 Cliff Street, Norwich, CT 06360
• Phone: (860) 887-1755
• Services: Free PTSD treatment, substance abuse counseling, military sexual trauma support, readjustment counseling, family counseling, bereavement counseling
• No VA enrollment required

Homeless Veteran Programs

Connecticut has fewer homeless veterans per capita than many states, but resources exist:

VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838

HUD-VASH: Housing vouchers paired with VA case management

Grant and Per Diem: Transitional housing programs in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport

Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness: Works with veterans statewide

Legal Assistance

Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs - Legal Services

• Free legal help for discharge upgrades, benefits appeals
• Phone: (860) 616-3600

Connecticut Veterans Legal Center

• Pro bono legal services for low-income veterans
• Contact through Connecticut DVA

Key Takeaways

1. Connecticut's small size is an advantage - No veteran lives more than 90 minutes from West Haven VAMC, excellent healthcare access

2. Education benefits are outstanding - State tuition waiver covers 100% of tuition at public colleges, combine with GI Bill for full coverage plus housing allowance

3. Electric Boat is hiring aggressively - 3,000+ positions in 2025, strong pay ($55K-$150K), perfect fit for submarine veterans and skilled trades

4. Submarine community is unique - Groton/New London area offers instant camaraderie and employment for submarine veterans

5. Use Connecticut DVA district offices - Five locations across state provide free help with VA claims, benefits applications, and advocacy

6. West Haven VAMC is highly rated - Yale affiliation, 5-star quality metrics, comprehensive services including specialty care

7. Cost of living requires high income - Defense contractors pay well enough to offset Connecticut's 21.6% higher cost of living, but budgeting is critical

8. State hiring preference exists - State government jobs offer stability, pensions, and veteran preference

Connecticut offers world-class resources for veterans willing to navigate the high cost of living. The combination of excellent VA healthcare, generous education benefits, and strong defense industry employment makes Connecticut viable for veterans with the right skill sets—particularly submarine veterans and those in technical fields.

Additional Resources

• Connecticut DVA: (860) 616-3600 | portal.ct.gov/dva
• VA Healthcare: (203) 932-5711 | va.gov/connecticut-health-care
• CT Dept of Labor Veterans Services: (860) 263-6580
• State Jobs: das.ct.gov/cr
• GI Bill School Search: va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool
• Electric Boat Careers: ebcareers.com

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Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.