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Veterans Service Officer outlines outreach, transportation and benefits work for Meeker County
Summary
Meeker County Veterans Service Officer Tim Steinert briefed commissioners on daily caseloads, transportation operations to the St. Cloud and Minneapolis VA facilities, PACT Act claims activity and outreach efforts; he said the office averaged about 15 veteran contacts per day and transported more veterans and miles in 2024 than 2023.
Tim Steinert, Meeker County Veterans Service Officer, delivered the office''' annual report Tuesday, describing client services, transportation operations and recent federal changes.
"Our mission is to advise, counsel, assist veterans and their families in obtaining earned veteran benefits through federal and state programs and to act as an advocate on their behalf," Steinert said.
Steinert told the board the office averaged about 15 to 16 veteran contacts per day in 2024 and that the county-run transportation program uses two donated vans to take veterans to VA medical centers. The office reported a year-over-year increase in total miles driven (more than 10,000 additional miles reported) and in the number of veterans transported.
He described the Transportation program's operation schedule (odd-numbered days to St. Cloud VA, even-numbered mornings to Minneapolis VA) and said volunteers typically limit passenger loads to four because some veterans have mobility challenges. The program is not set up to transport wheelchair-bound veterans; Steinert noted the Hutchinson DAV provides wheelchair-capable transport in the region.
On benefits, Steinert explained the PACT Act and its effect on claims, noting roughly 30% of claims the office handles are PACT Act related. He reviewed federal and state benefit programs, including compensation, pension, dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and CHAMPVA health benefits for survivors when applicable.
Steinert said the proposed Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) for the Litchfield area has completed a business plan but is not funded; if funded, he said an earliest opening could be 2029 or 2030, which would reduce travel demands for county veterans.
He also discussed the Montevideo Veterans Home (capacity 74), saying it is not at full occupancy because of staffing shortages. Commissioners asked about access, enrollment timelines and emergency care coverage; Steinert said enrollment typically triggers a visitor call within a week and that the VA's care-in-the-community program can cover community care in some circumstances when authorized.
