Building housing Ga. veterans' office closing

DECATUR - Georgia Department of Veterans Services officials say the building that houses its claims and appeals division is closing because of the government shutdown.

Officials say the office will be closed to visitors beginning Tuesday because the Department of Veterans Affairs Atlanta Regional Office, which houses Georgia's claims and appeals division, has reduced staffing levels in response to the federal government shutdown.

Officials say the department's Claims and Appeals Division will be fully staffed, but customers must contact the office by phone or email because the building will be closed to visitors.

Aside from the closure of the regional office building, officials say all other Georgia Department of Veterans Services operations including those housed at local VA medical centers will be fully functional.