White County veterans office reports rise in benefit dollars, plans to transfer donation fund to VFW

County veterans service staff reported to the commissioners that veterans’ benefit dollars flowing into White County rose substantially between 2022 and 2023 and outlined outreach plans and a proposal to transfer a small county-managed donation fund to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post.

The veterans office reported $13.7 million in benefit dollars brought into the county in 2022 and said its 2023 total rose to about $17.5 million. The office said it currently has about 129 open claims it is actively assisting and that last year’s outreach identified roughly 45 veterans who had not known county services existed. Staff said outreach this year will focus on Burnettsville, Idaville and Reynolds and will include in-person events and the veterans service trailer.

The veterans office described regular services it provides: claim development and appointment prep for Department of Veterans Affairs exams, property-tax exemption paperwork, transportation to medical appointments, assistance with enrollment in VA health care and help with surviving-spouse benefits.

The office said it maintains multiple accreditations so it can offer veterans options in appeals and representation. Staff voiced support for Senate Bill 433 (state-level legislation under discussion) that would introduce state metrics and oversight for county veterans officers; staff said they welcome accountability and do not believe the change would jeopardize their positions.

On the donation fund: staff said a donor-funded “veteran…