LaSalle County VAC reports $10.5 million in new benefits; board approves report and VAC bills

Krista, a representative of the LaSalle County Veterans Assistance Commission, told the county board that the VAC secured about $10,500,000 in new veterans benefits in the past fiscal year and detailed partnerships and outreach efforts that she said helped drive that result.

The VAC annual report, presented during the LaSalle County Nursing Home and VAC meeting, also described ongoing partnerships with VA providers and local organizations, new in‑office and outreach services, and the commission’s financial assistance program. The county board voted to approve the VAC report and the VAC bills during the meeting.

Krista said the $10.5 million figure represents newly secured benefits for veterans and their families during the year and does not include benefits obtained in prior years. She told the board the VAC conducted more events this year and expanded direct client assistance: the office reported higher numbers of appeals and compensation claims and continued work with VA medical centers, including Hines and Joliet, to obtain supporting letters for service‑connected conditions. Krista said the VAC also works with the Hines VA and other clinics to expedite some health‑care scheduling and billing questions.

The VAC has an outreach arrangement with an Aurora Vet Center counselor who is using one of the VAC’s office spaces for therapy outreach; Krista said the counselor is currently on site one Friday a month and would increase visits if demand grows. The VAC also partners with Midwest Shelter for homeless veterans and the Ottawa Food Pantry to distribute commissary goods and monthly food boxes to veterans in need.

Krista described the VAC’s financial aid assistance program, which the office manages with an annual limit of $20,000 (total, not per person). She said the office paid out just over $24,000 this year to vendors for utilities and rent in emergency cases and that four veterans who received assistance were able to become self‑sustaining after receiving benefits and back pay. Krista gave the commission’s office address as 4231 Progress Boulevard in Peru and encouraged in‑person visits for veterans seeking help.

During questions from board members, Krista explained that most veterans who visit the VAC are eligible for VA health care; she estimated roughly eight in 10 veterans who come to the office are enrolled in VA health care and that the office also assists clients who depend on Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security when VA eligibility is not met. She described three typical appeals tracks for contested VA decisions: higher‑level review, supplemental evidence submissions and appeals to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, noting that the latter can take two to three years.

The county board approved the VAC report and then approved the VAC bills during separate motions. The meeting record shows both motions passed on voice votes.