Clatsop County VSO reports rise in successful VA claims, expands outreach

Carl Wiley, Clatsop County veteran service officer, told the Board of Commissioners during a work session that his office has increased claims activity and outcomes and expanded outreach to veterans across the county.

Wiley outlined a 12‑month review of the office’s work, saying the office helped file disability and survivor claims, pursued decision reviews of prior VA decisions, provided burial assistance, and conducted outreach events intended to reach veterans with barriers to care.

The review shows recent casework the office reported: about 105 disability claims filed in the prior six months; one wartime or nonservice‑connected pension claim; 24 survivor pension or dependency/indemnity compensation claims; 54 decision reviews; and four burials handled in the past six months. Wiley said those efforts, combined with successful re‑adjudications, produced “about a little over $2,000,000 more in compensation and pension” than in the prior six‑month period. He also reported roughly $22.25 million in compensation and pension payments going to veterans and survivors over the 12‑month period covered by the presentation, drawn from the population of veterans he tracks.

Wiley described outreach and access efforts: a monthly veterans breakfast that draws about 50 attendees, beach cleanups that drew community participation, a billboard on Seaside Way that he credited with increasing phone contacts, and a November 2025 military veteran convention being planned at the Seaside Convention Center. He noted increasing contacts from Southwest Asia-era veterans and newly separated service members and said his office blocks some calendar time for urgent needs and administrative research.

Wiley explained how his office helps veterans navigate the Veterans Benefits Administration process: determining eligibility, preparing and filing claims, and pursuing decision reviews when the VA’s initial rulings are inconsistent with the evidence. On emergency and urgent needs, Wiley said he will “drop whatever I’m doing and go to them, to at least get them in the right direction,” and said in a medical or suicidal crisis he tells people, “If you’re in suicidal crisis, go to the ER. The VA will cover it.”

Commissioner Thompson praised Wiley’s tenure and work, saying, “Skills plus longevity equals successful programs. Good job.” Other commissioners asked about the planned convention and the local VA clinic; Wiley said the clinic’s staffing remained steady and that many veterans receive care through VA‑funded community providers.

Wiley said his office has an assistant, Sam, who has improved workflow and outreach, including leading the billboard campaign. He also said the office will continue to prioritize claims management and advocacy while monitoring VA staffing and training issues that he believes have contributed to some recent claim denials and readjudications.

The board and county manager said they will track staffing and caseload comparisons with other counties and provide that information at a future update. Wiley closed by thanking the board and noting upcoming outreach events and the planned November 2025 convention.