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Veterans services reports $1.25M in earned increases, new grants and local veteran assistance
Summary
The county veterans services officer reported a $1.25 million annual increase in benefits for veterans this year, awarded VTF/VAG grants and local assistance such as ramps and a widows fund. The office said 40% of clients come from neighboring Fremont County and described coordination with VFW and other local groups.
Custer County veteran services staff summarized July 16 that they have helped veterans secure substantial benefits and that local grants and donations are bolstering services for home repairs, ramps and emergency needs.
Key figures and programs The veterans services officer said the office has processed 111 first-time claims this year with 80 found service-connected (roughly a 72% service-connection rate among first-time claims). Overall the officer reported an annual increase in benefits of about $1.25 million for veterans assisted so far this year.
The county's Veterans Trust Fund (VTF) and related Veterans Assistance Grant (VAG) awards combined this cycle to produce about $120,000 in funding across local entities (the county VSO, the VFW and the American Legion). The county VSO said its own annual grant was reduced from $30,000 last year to $15,000 this year for the unit's BAG allocation, but combined awards across partners still yielded significant funds.
Local assistance and coordination Veterans services said it uses temporary aluminum ramps for short-term mobility needs and is coordinating installations when permanent solutions would be classified as capital improvements and therefore ineligible for certain grant funds. The office described several local donations going to a county widows and widowers fund and noted help from local nonprofits (for example, CF aE) on cistern replacement and other repairs.
Geographic reach and referrals Staff reported that 40% of veterans served this month came from Fremont County and about 50% from Custer County; the remainder came from surrounding counties. The VSO said the office will prioritize executing available funding and coordinate with partners to avoid duplicate payments to repeat applicants.
Why it matters: the combination of federal VA claims work, local grants and charitable donations is increasing benefits flow to veterans and supporting immediate needs (ramps, fuel, emergency assistance). The VSO noted the workload increase and staffing changes: one VSO position moved to full time during the year to meet demand.
Next steps: the VSO will continue grant execution, coordinate with VFW and Legion partners on allocations and run outreach to veterans who may not realize they are eligible for benefits.
