Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Veterans Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Veteran service office reports claims growth, staffing progress and outreach plans
Summary
Veteran Service Officer Jay Roberts reported increases in claims and retro payments, staffing updates including training for deputy Eric Lewis, and upcoming local outreach events; the office is directing some out-of-county clients back to their home counties to manage resources.
Jay Roberts, veteran service officer, provided the office's monthly update to the Codington County commissioners on Oct. 7.
Roberts said the office had 162 open claims, 274 pending with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and 263 completed for the year in the county's caseload; Hamlin County figures and out-of-county counts were also provided for context. He said the office had helped bring five veterans to VA appointments in Sioux Falls during the prior month and had two transports planned. Roberts reported monthly veteran benefits receipts of $14,750 and a year-to-date total of $125,463; he also reported retroactive payments of $91,564 for the month and a year-to-date total of $1,199,066.
Roberts said Deputy Veteran Service Officer Eric Lewis is newly on staff and not yet fully credentialed to submit claims directly to the VA; the office is prioritizing county residents and asking some veterans from other counties to return to their home county offices to ensure Codington County can serve its constituents effectively. Roberts and deputy Lewis attended state training to improve claims-submission processes and are working to obtain federal access credentials (PIV card) needed for certain VA systems. Roberts noted the government shutdown was raising questions among veterans but said the VA continued processing claims and providing essential services; he pointed to national crisis numbers for veterans who need immediate assistance.
Roberts highlighted two November events the office will attend: a veterans and military appreciation event at Joy Ranch and a Retiree Summit at the National Guard Readiness Center, where the state Department of Veterans Affairs secretary will be present. He invited commissioners to visit the office on Nineteenth Street and noted the proximity to the VA clinic increases referrals.
