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New veterans agent Derek Hanscom outlines caseload, benefits awarded and outreach plans
Summary
Derek Hanscom, Norwood's new veterans agent, briefed the Board of Selectmen about ongoing claims activity, Chapter 115 recipients, VA benefits awarded and plans to seek VA accreditation and a hometown‑heroes banner program.
Derek Hanscom, the Town of Norwood’s new veterans agent, told the Board of Selectmen he has overseen a smooth transition since starting in October and described a rising caseload and outreach plans.
Hanscom said the office has handled an average of "three appointments per week" initially that has risen to about five per week since the new year, and that staff field multiple phone calls each day to assist veterans with claims, homelessness prevention, mental‑health counseling referrals and medical‑aid questions.
He told the board his office helps veterans access state and federal benefits and cited Massachusetts General Laws chapter 115 as the state statute that provides certain local benefits; he said 18 residents are currently receiving Chapter 115 benefits and that about 75% of the cost of those benefits is reimbursed to the town. Hanscom also said the Norwood veterans office helped secure approximately $8,000,000 in VA benefits for town residents in the last calendar year.
Hanscom said the office is pursuing VA accreditation (which he described as a process that aligns local veteran service officers' claim‑filing practices with VA expectations), and that the office is planning outreach and events including Memorial Day preparations and consideration of a "hometown heroes" banner program to honor local veterans.
Board members thanked Hanscom for the update, congratulated him on the transition and said they looked forward to working on Memorial Day plans and a rededication for an improved local veterans memorial.
