Department of Veterans Affairs

Denver Logistics Service

About the Denver Logistics Service

The Denver Logistics Service (DLS) provides holistic supply chain management for the VA National Hearing Aid and Home Telehealth Programs and supports VA and Other Government Agencies (OGAs) with professional logistical services.  Commodities managed include worldwide distribution of hearing aids, hearing aid accessories, cochlear implants, assistive devices, batteries, prosthetic socks, orthotic soft-goods, aids for the visually impaired, telehealth messaging devices and peripherals. 

The DLS manages the VA’s only hearing aid repair program by providing eligibility verification, problem diagnosis, hearing aid programming retrieval, cleaning, repairs, vendor management, and quality control. 

Veterans may order many items directly from the DLS and have them shipped to their homes or current residence, reducing unnecessary trips to medical facilities and enhancing efficiency of clinical staff.

Submit all correspondence, orders and hearing aid repair requests to the mailing address shown below.

DLS Programs

DLS Catalogs

View the hearing aid accessories catalog

View the batteries catalog

View the prosthetic socks catalog

Service and Distribution Center programs

The DLS Service Distribution Center (SDC) programs focus on customer needs and are designed with customer service in mind.  The SDC provides these products and services to VA and other federal customers.

SDC Services

Type of supportContact info
Customer Service Supportdalc.css@va.gov
877-677-8710
Acquisition Supportdalc.acquisition@va.gov
303-273-6205
DLS AddressDenver Logistics Service
555 Corporate Circle
Golden, CO 80401-5621
Mailing Address for all correspondence, orders and hearing aid repair requestsDenver Logistics Service
PO Box 25166
Denver, CO 80225-0166

Hearing Aid Procurement Summary

The Hearing Aid Procurement Summary shows sales of hearing aids, remote controls, and wireless devices (adaptors, receivers, and transmitters) processed through the DLS, including both quantity and total dollar value for each hearing aid manufacturer on contract with VA. This report is updated monthly to respond to recurring data requests from multiple stakeholders.

Hearing aid accessories and CPAP supplies

Accessories for hearing aids and other devices as well as CPAP supplies are available from the VA Denver Logistics Service (DLS). Please note accessories are limited to items that can be easily replaced by the user of the hearing aid or device.

How to order

Veterans who have hearing aids or other associated devices or CPAP devices authorized by the VA may order supplies and accessories from the DLS. There are several ways to order:

  1. For hearing aid batteries and accessories, use the blue VA Form 2346a, Request for Batteries and Accessories, card/envelope received with your initial or latest order. Complete the form and mail it to the DLS at the address provided on the form.
  2. If you do not have a copy of VA Form 2346a, you can request a copy from the VA Audiology clinic that provides your care or contact DLS Customer Service.
  3. For CPAP supplies, use VA Form 2346b, Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Devices and Supplies received with your initial or latest CPAP supplies order. Complete the form and mail it to the address provided on the form.

If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact DLS Customer Service at dalc.css@va.gov or by phone at 877-677-8710.

Batteries

The VA Denver Logistics Service (DLS) predominantly provides zinc air batteries for use in hearing aids. Different battery types are also available for use in other battery powered devices such as artificial larynxes, assistive listening devices, neuromuscular stimulators, etc.

How to order

Veterans who are authorized to receive batteries from the VA have several ways to request additional batteries. Please reorder when your remaining supply of batteries is sufficient for approximately 30 days. Each order will contain batteries sufficient to operate your hearing aid or device for at least six months.

  1. Use the blue VA Form 2346a, Request for Batteries and Accessories, card/envelope received with your initial or latest battery order. Complete the form and mail it to DLS at the address provided on the form.
  2. You may now order batteries online. Users of the online ordering system are required to register through the E-Authentication credentialing process. E-Authentication is a government-managed service that makes it possible for veterans to gain access to government services online. View the procedures to gain access to the VA site to order batteries.
  3. You may send an order via email to dalc.css@va.gov.

If you do not have a copy of VA Form 2346a, you can request a copy from the VA Audiology clinic that provides your care or contact DLS Customer Service at dalc.css@va.gov or by phone at 877-677-8710.

Hearing aid repair

The Denver Logistics Service (DLS) provides logistical support for the hearing aid repair program for the VA.  Most makes and models of VA authorized hearing aids are repaired by a contracted commercial repair vendor via the DLS.

Veterans who have hearing aids authorized by the VA may send them for repair to the DLS.  However, you may want to contact the VA Audiology and Speech Pathology Service that issued your hearing aid(s) for possible assistance prior to sending it to the DLS.

To send your hearing aid(s) and/or associated device(s) for repair to the DLS, please download print and complete VA Form 1107, Request for Repairs and/or Accessories and include it with your hearing aid(s) and/or device(s).  This form can also be used to request replacement tubing, cords or other accessories, if needed.

Please ensure you send your hearing aid(s) in a sturdy shipping box.  Please pack the aid(s) carefully in appropriate wrapping material.  If you do not have a shipping box, please contact the DLS Lab by email dalc.lab@va.gov or call 877-677-8710 and one will be sent to you.  The box will contain VA Form 1107, a protective bag to contain your hearing device(s), and a postage-paid return address label to mail your hearing aid(s) to the DLC.  No postage is required for repairs if you use the postage-paid return address label.  IMPORTANT – Do not send hearing device(s) in an envelope.  In most cases, an envelope is processed by a machine and the machine will crush the hearing aid.

After your hearing device(s) is received at the DLS, you may anticipate receiving your repaired hearing aid(s) within approximately 20 days.  Your repaired aid(s) will be returned in a box that can be used for future repairs.

When sending one of the following aid types for repair, please include all of the following parts:

  1. Body Aid type — aid, cord, and receiver
  2. Receiver in the Canal type aids (RICs) – hearing aid portion (that sits behind the ear), receiver portion (that is inserted in the ear)
  3. Ear Molds – The ear mold can be sent in for cleaning/re-tubing, if necessary.  Please note: ear molds that are damaged cannot typically be repaired unless they are “fully integrated,” where the RIC receiver is fully encased and cannot be removed. All others must be replaced by your local VA Audiology and Speech Pathology Service.

NOTE: Presentation cases should not be sent with your hearing aid(s).  These cases are not required for extra protection as the wrapping material and shipping box provide sufficient protection.  Sending cases will result in handling delays.

Prosthetic socks

Prosthetic socks are available from the VA Denver Logistics Service (DLS). To meet the needs of amputee Veterans, the DLS does maintain an inventory of standard-sized prosthetic socks which are available for immediate delivery. However, in some situations, the specific prosthetic sock you need may not be stocked at the DLS. When you place an order for a specific prosthetic sock that is not stocked, we will order the item from the vendor. When it is received, it will be sent directly to you. In this situation, it is requested you place an order approximately 30 days in advance of your need for the specific item.

How to order

Veterans who are authorized by the VA to receive prosthetic socks may place orders with the DLS. There are several ways to order:

  1. Complete VA Form 2345, Veteran’s Request for Prosthetic Socks and mail it to the DLS address provided on the form.
  2. You may send an order via email to dalc.css@va.gov.
  3. You may call DLS Customer Service at 877-677-8710 to place an order.

About the DLS Service and Distribution Center

The DLS Service and Distribution Center (SDC) programs focus on customer needs and are designed with customer service in mind.  The SDC provides these products and services to VA and other federal customers.

SDC is a fully upgraded, multifunctional facility occupying 20 acres on the Hines VA Hospital Campus, just 15 minutes from downtown Chicago.  Located in a historic building on one of the largest hospital campuses in the VA, the SDC is proud to provide a variety of high quality services and facilities to the VA and other government agencies.  Serving the Department of Veterans Affairs as well as other government agencies with over 500,000 square feet of office, technical, and warehouse space, the Service and Distribution Center has over 30 years experience in providing medical equipment and repair services to VA and over 50 years experience in providing shipping and distribution services for VA and other government agencies.  SDC programs focus on customer needs and are designed with customer service in mind.  The SDC provides these products and services to VA and other federal customers.

Access our Management Team and program points of contact.  We pride ourselves on customer service and satisfaction.  We welcome your comments, suggestions, and questions.

SDC Services

Burial flags

This information is dedicated to the support of the Logistics Supply Chain which provides burial flags to the issuing office level.  Individuals or authorized requestors wishing to apply for a burial flag should refer to the National Cemetery Administration’s (NCA) Burial Flags website for guidance on eligibility and application forms.  Postmasters, Funeral Home Directors and VA Offices may use this page for information and guidance on burial flag distribution and support.

Program highlights

The VA Service and Distribution Center (SDC) supplies burial flags to VA facilities and U.S. Post Offices (USPS) throughout the country and around the world.  The flags are then issued directly to Funeral Home Directors and families of deceased Veterans.  Burial flags are provided free of charge to the next of kin of honorably discharged Veterans.  Additional information on burial flags and burial benefits is available at the NCA Home Page.

  • U.S. Post Offices are the primary Issue Point for all VA Burial Flags supplied free of charge to the next of kin of honorably discharged Veterans.
  • VA Regional Offices and Medical Centers are also issue points for Burial Flags, as needed. Regional Offices will provide information on VA Benefits.
  • The VA SDC Operations Center maintains the inventory of internment flags for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs and is responsible for distribution to the postal service, VA stations, and U.S. State Department locations throughout the world.

Program guidance for VA Offices

VA Regional Offices and VA Medical Centers will maintain an adequate inventory of flags to support internal requirements. Complete guidance on ordering flags, applicable to the USPS and the VA may be found in SDC Memorandum 796-23-01, Guidance for the Distribution and Replenishment of Burial Flags.

Program guidance for post offices, funeral homes and cemeteries

Why Does VA Provide a Burial Flag?

A United States flag is provided at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased Veteran who served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces. This flag is presented to honor and remember the Veteran’s service and sacrifice to our nation. VA furnishes a burial flag for the following Veterans who received an other than dishonorable discharge:

  • Veteran who served during wartime
  • Veteran who died on active duty after May 27, 1941
  • Veteran who served after January 31, 1955
  • Peacetime Veteran who was discharged or released before June 27, 1950, after serving at least 1 enlistment, or because of a disability that was caused—or made worse—by their active military service
  • Certain persons who served in the military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States and died on or after April 25, 1951
  • Certain former members of the Selected Reserves

Who Is Eligible to Receive the Burial Flag?

Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service.  When there is no next-of-kin, VA will furnish the flag to a friend making request for it.  For those VA national cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags, families of Veterans buried in these national cemeteries may donate the burial flags of their loved ones to be flown on patriotic holidays.

How Can You Apply?

You may apply for the flag by completing VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes.  You may get a flag at any U.S. Post Office or VA Regional Office. Generally, the Funeral Home Director will help you obtain the flag.

Can a burial flag be replaced?

The law allows VA to issue one flag for a Veteran’s funeral.  We cannot replace it if it is lost, destroyed, or stolen.  However, some Veterans’ organizations or other community groups may be able to help you get another flag.

How should the burial flag be displayed?

The proper way to display the flag depends upon whether the casket is open or closed.  The instructions on VA Form 27-2008 provide the correct method for displaying and folding the flag.  The burial flag is not suitable for outside display because of its size and fabric.  It is made of cotton and can easily be damaged by weather.

For more information, call 800-827-1000 or visit the National Cemetery Administration’s web site.

What if more than one family member wants a flag?

Only one flag may be issued to the family member or friend identified on the VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Burial Flag.  Only one application may be completed for each deceased Veteran.

Where can we purchase flags commercially?

A number of companies manufacture flags to the general specifications for VA burial flags and the VA may not endorse a particular manufacturer nor be held responsible for the quality or correctness of a commercially purchased flag.  VA Flags are manufactured to stringent standards using 100% U.S. materials and construction.

Who may complete a flag application?

A flag may be issued to a Funeral Home Director or anyone else who certifies by signature the eligibility of the deceased Veteran even if requested eligibility documentation is not attached.

How can the Funeral Director help the VA and the Veteran?

The Funeral Home Director can complete the Flag Application as completely as possible with all available information requested on the form and turn in the application to the post office as soon as possible following the death of the Veteran.  The information provided helps the VA in the death notification process, easing the burden on family members as well as authorizing the post office to order a replacement flag ensuring availability to the Funeral Home Director for future requirements.

We were given a defective flag, what do we do?

Return the flag to the post office from which it was received.  The post office may replace the flag with another and return the defective flag to the VA for replacement.

My post office either doesn’t have flags or has a difficult time keeping enough on hand. What can be done?

Ask the post office to contact the USPS Material Distribution Center (MDC) at 800-332-0317, option 4, option 4 or email MDC.CustomerService@usps.gov and an MDC Service Representative will ensure the post office is resupplied with sufficient flags to meet their needs. The VA does not supply flags directly to a funeral home but will always respond to calls or questions to ensure burial flags are always available.

Where can I get a VA Form 27-2008 Application for United States Burial Flag?

You can download the current VA Form 27‑2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes, from the Department of Veterans Affairs website using the VA Form 27‑2008 download page.

Type of supportContact info
VA Service and Distribution Center (SDC) contactsinterment.flags@va.gov 
708-786-7763/7729
US Postal Service Material Distribution Center (MDC) contactsMDC.CustomerService@usps.gov
800-332-0317, Option 4, Option 4
Department of Veterans Affairs800-827-1000, M-F, 8am – 9pm ET
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Logistics Services

The VA SDC is a full partner in the Office of Acquisition, Logistics and Construction (OALC) Supply Chain Management programs, involved in the planning, sourcing, procurement and logistics management of several key VA commodities. The SDC additionally provides:

Secure warehousing

The VA Service and Distribution Center offers clean, secure, heated warehouse storage for rent to VA facilities and other Government agencies. The SDC warehouse, located in Building 37 of the Hines VA Medical Center campus, is conveniently located a short distance from downtown Chicago, IL. Our facility offers quick, convenient access to a number of interstate roadways and to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

Inventory management

The SDC can provide order processing, inventory management, stock selection and packaging services for your stored items. These convenient services are possible through our unique partnership with the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped.

Worldwide distribution

With our vast experience in traffic management, we can arrange local, national, or international shipping for our customers, as well as expedited, overnight carrier service, all at exceptional prices. Special targeted mailings and distribution of printed material are also available from the SDC’s Initial Distribution Section.

Program highlights

  • Costs negotiable depending on space and level of services desired.
  • Flexible duration of leases.
Type of supportContact info
Rental space inquiriesEric Tharp, Executive Director
708-786-7502
Distribution services inquiriesDijana Colon, Chief, Operations Division
708-786-7763
Transportation/traffic management inquiriesAnthony Flam, Traffic Management Specialist
708-786-7651
David Ramirez, Traffic Management Specialist
708-786-7627

Medical Equipment Repair Program

The VA SDC Medical Equipment Repair Program offers VA medical centers and other Government agencies high-quality, timely service at excellent prices.  Since it began in 1991, this rapidly growing program has focused on meeting customer needs and achieving customer satisfaction.  Our commitment to customers is demonstrated every day by providing cost-saving strategies that guarantee superior results.  These strategies allow us to proudly provide typical savings over competitors’ prices.

Program highlights

  • Wide range of minor and major repairs for ANY brand or model of flexible scope, rigid scope, surgical and dental handpieces, Ultrasound Probes/transducers, Light Cables, harmonic Scalpels, and phaco handpieces.
  • Rapid Turnaround
  • 90-day warranty for all repairs
  • Easy payment by VA Form 1358, credit card, purchase order or Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests (MIPR).

Guidance on funding services can be found at SDC Memorandum 796-18-01, Utilization and Reimbursement of Medical Equipment Repair Services dated June 25, 2018.

What is the procedure for obtaining a repair estimate?
The process is simple. For complete details, visit our “Interested in using our repair services” section and and follow the instructions, or contact one of the program coordinators listed at the bottom of this page for more assistance.

Why does VA operate its own in-house endoscope repair program?
VA decided to open an in-house endoscope repair service in 1991 after calculating that the high cost of repairing flexible endoscopes.  The endoscope repair program now offers VA and DOD customers repair options as well as payment options.  For example, if a flexible scope requires major OEM repair, the SDC can greatly reduce turnaround time by utilizing one of its Blanket Purchase Agreements.  In addition, the SDC accepts various payment options such as Government Purchase Cards, Billable Purchase Orders, Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests (MIPR) and VA Form 1358’s.

How can the SDC offer cost-savings for customers?
First, we maintain Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA’s) with various vendors.  Each BPA offers us special pricing that is passed to our customers.  Second, we only use trusted and vetted federally listed vendors.  Using only quality vendors minimizes potential warranty issues and down time as well as helps prolong the operational life expectancy of the instrument.

How does the SDC assure quality in its repair programs?
We use vetted and trusted Federal Supply Schedule Vendors.  Each repair comes with a 90 day warranty that covers parts and labor.  All of our repair programs are monitored to ensure the lowest warranty rate and each item receives an incoming evaluation as well and a final inspection before shipment.

What is the turnaround time for repairs?
The turnaround time depends on many factors such as type of equipment, complexity of repair and timeliness of approval.  A general timeframe once the item is approved for repair is 10-15 business days.

Can I request a loaner while my device is being repaired?
We do offer loaner scopes. Please contact any of our team members listed at the bottom of this page for availability.

What types of payment does the SDC accept?
Use of the VA Form 1358 is the preferred option for repairs, particularly those that exceed the purchase card threshold. The greatest advantage to this option is it is not a procurement and does not require action by a contracting officer; and because it is a tool to reimburse the SDC, there is no requirement to seek other pricing. The SDD also accepts your government credit card, billable purchase order, or Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request (MIPR) number. It is important to note that the VASDC is registered with the U.S, Federal System for Awards Management (SAM), {(DUNS) # 79-453-1558, Cage Code 1MYN2 and Tax ID 74161229}. Customers from DoD and other government agencies who wish to use another payment method should call 708-786-7670.

Interested in using our repair service?

Have equipment that needs repair? We’re here to help VA and non-VA customers get fast, dependable service and clear instructions on how to send items to us.

Here’s what our customers say!

“I’ve tried several vendors/repair sites and have found, dollar for dollar, Hines (SDC) does the best job and is reasonable versus other sites, private or otherwise.”

“…(the technician) who usually handles our scopes has challenged other vendors to prove they can match up with you guys, and so far, no one has been able to do it.  Either their price is way more than yours, or their quality isn’t up to our standards.”

After three months, one customer documented both cost-savings and turnaround time reduction of 47%.  This amounted to almost $45,000 savings in repair costs!

Name and titlePhone
Carl Petrisor, Supervisory Program Analyst708-786-7074
Glenn Procanin, Program Analyst708-786-7691
Idania Mendoza, Program Analyst708-786-7077
Michael Heard Jr., Program Analyst708-786-7076
Belinda Moore, Supply Technician708-786-7759

Interested in using our repair services?

The VA SDC Medical Equipment Repair Program helps VA medical centers and other government agencies extend the life of specialized equipment with high-quality repairs, rapid turnaround, and clear up-front estimates. We handle minor and major repairs across many brands and models, and every repair includes a 90-day warranty. Start by submitting a repair request and shipping your item for evaluation—once reviewed, we’ll email you an estimate and next steps for approval and payment.

Please contact SRI@med.va.gov with any questions and to set up an account.

Requirements for each repair request:

Submit the Form

  • Complete the Evaluation Repair Request Form
  • Fill out all required fields
  • Press Submit at the bottom of the form to send it
  • Use the Clear button if you need to reuse the form for another request
  • We will assign an Order/Job Number to your request
  • You will receive:
    • The completed form with the assigned number
    • A shipping label for your item
  • Print the form we send back and include it inside your package
  • Attach the provided shipping label to the outside of your package
  • Once your equipment is evaluated by the repair facility, you will receive a written estimate via email

Please contact SRI@med.va.gov with any questions and to set up an account.

Requirements for each repair request:

  • Ship the item to be repaired and include ModelSerial Numbera brief description of the problem and Point of Contact information including NameTelephone Number and email address using a Medical Equipment Repair Request form.
  • Once we have received and evaluated the item, you will receive a written estimate via email.
  • If you want the item repaired, we accept two forms of payment including Government Purchase Cards or Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests (MIPR), by completing DD Form 448.
  • If you decide you do not want the items repaired, we will return the item completely free of charge.

Department of Veterans Affairs
Service and Distribution Center
Service and Repair Section
1st Ave. One Block North of 22nd Cermak
Building 37
Hines, IL 60141

Radiology quality assurance services

The Radiology Inspection section of the Quality Assurance (QA) Division ensure manufacturers and vendors provide VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, and other government entities with quality radiology equipment.

Program highlights

The Radiology Quality Assurance (QA) staff inspect all newly purchased radiology and computerized tomography equipment to ensure it meets federal standards and performs as advertised by the vendors from whom it is purchased. The program has also been expanded to include Pre-Warranty Expiration inspections. This new service provides facilities the option of saving money by documenting warranty work prior to expiration so the vendor or manufacturer is obligated to repair equipment at their cost. QA specialists are also responsible for contributing their expertise to the formulation of VA inspection criteria and manuals containing VA testing protocols. Radiology QA Specialists are highly trained and certified professionals, whose focus is providing quality customer service at the best possible price.

Customer service

SDC Quality Assurance Programs are designed with customer service in mind. If you need assistance or have questions regarding any of the QA programs, please feel free to contact the SDC Director’s Office at 708-786-7502. SDC personnel are always more than willing to answer any question you may have, or direct you to the appropriate point of contact.

SDC points of contact

Type of supportContact info
Customer service supportPhone: 708-786-7503
Fax: 708-786-7504
Mailing addressVA Service and Distribution Center
Building 37
P.O. Box 27
Hines, IL 60141
Delivery addressVA Service and Distribution Center
1st Ave., 1 Block North of 22nd St.
Building 37
Hines, IL 60141
Delivery hours and
contact info
7:00 a.m. — 2:30 p.m. CT
Phone:  708-786-7763
Fax:  708-786-5226
Name and titlePhone
Eric Tharp, Executive Director708-786-7502
Joshua Hendricker, Supervisor Supply Management Officer708-786-7720
Alexander Aspera, Program Analyst708-786-7503
Byron Barlow, Program Analyst708-786-7788
Marie Mecate, Program Analyst708-786-5124
Name and titlePhone
Brian Duce, Chief708-786-7845
Fax: 708-786-7504
Carl Petrisor, Medical Equipment Repair Program708-786-7670
James Sherry, Facility Management/Tenant Support708-786-7846
Name and titlePhone
Dijana Colon, Chief708-786-7763
Fax: 708-786-5226
VA Forms and Publications
Sandford Wagonblott, Program Analyst
708-786-7841
Customized distribution services
Juan Mera, Supply Management Specialist
Steven Culp, Supply Management Specialist
Maurice Palmer, Quality Assurance Specialist

708-786-7729
708-786-7554
708-786-7509
Transportation
Anthony Flam, Traffic Management Specialist
David Ramirez, Traffic Management Specialist
708-786-7651
708-786-7627
Warehouse receiving
Ambrosio Tovar, Quality Assurance Specialist
708-786-7510

Name and titlePhone
Chanell Coleman, Supervisory Supply Management Specialist708-786-7764
Donald Dickson, Supply Management Specialist708-786-5807
Josephine Gersch, Supply Management Specialist708-786-5207
Ryon Graham, Supply Management Specialist708-786-7505
Hope Staten, Inventory Management Specialist708-786-3727
Carlos Hunter, Quality Assurance Specialist708-786-7789
Natalie Rodriguez, Quality Assurance Specialist708-786-5209
James Mangabat, Quality Assurance Specialist708-786-7607

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