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Veterans service officer reports $1.5 million in 2024 retro payments, rising monthly benefits
Summary
Veterans Service Officer Todd reported claims work, monthly compensation increases and transport numbers; he noted benefits enrollment increases from the PACT Act and discussed potential national changes to VA transportation eligibility.
Codington County Veterans Service Officer Todd reported on Feb. 11 that his office completed 267 claims for county veterans during 2024 and handled additional claims for neighboring counties.
Todd told the commissioners the county completed 267 claims for Codington County veterans and processed 34 claims for surrounding counties. He said the office helped secure about $141,000 in increased monthly compensation for veterans and dependents (monthly) and roughly $1.5 million in retroactive payments for 2024. The office provided 48 veteran transports, mostly to Sioux Falls, and reported having eight volunteer drivers assisting with rides.
Todd also reported support provided to Hamlin County: 23 claims, nearly $9,700 in monthly compensation increases and about $17,000 in retroactive payments. Year‑to‑date figures discussed for early 2025 included about 90 open claims in Codington County, 94 pending actions with the VA and 10 completed claims year‑to‑date; in Hamlin County he said there were 10 open claims, six pending and one completed year‑to‑date.
On federal policy and benefits, Todd said the PACT Act (which he referenced as the “honor the pact act” passed in August 2022) has increased enrollment in VA health care and broadened eligibility for many veterans. He said the state DAV is pursuing a proposal, supported in Pierre, that would seek broader transportation eligibility for enrolled VA health‑care users nationally; Todd described that as a federal proposal that could have a substantial price tag if adopted.
Todd reminded veterans that VA disability compensation and pensions are not taxable and noted state benefits tied to specific awards: veterans with certain special monthly compensation (referred to in the meeting as a “K award”) may be eligible for reduced fee hunting and fishing licenses ($10, valid four years), a South Dakota State Park entrance sticker and reduced license plates; veterans with a 40% service‑connected disability may be eligible for a reduced hunting and fishing license but not the other K‑award benefits.
Todd summarized upcoming outreach and events, including the South Dakota Army National Guard Crossroads event in Watertown on Feb. 22 for service members approaching retirement. He also noted volunteer and coordination successes: a community member praised the office for assisting with repatriation and funeral arrangements.
Ending: Todd’s report emphasized continuing outreach, transportation needs for rural veterans and the potential for federal changes to transportation eligibility; no formal board action on the report was taken during the meeting.
