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Veterans services office gains VA accreditation, reports claim wins and new banner program
Summary
Derek Winterstrand, director of veteran services, told the Select Board the office earned VA accreditation and has processed roughly 60 claims since the last report, with about 60% adjudicated in favor of veterans and dependents.
Derek Winterstrand, director of veteran services, told the Select Board on Oct. 28 that the office received national accreditation through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and has increased claims-processing capacity. "We've processed about 60 claims —and approximately 60% of those claims have been fully adjudicated," Winterstrand said, adding that the office has partnered with local organizations and digitized files to meet VA reporting requirements.
Winterstrand described several local efforts: the town is operating six full exemptions for surviving spouses and 58 exemptions for 100% disabled veterans under recently adopted local HERO Act language; the veterans relief fund helped repair a Norwood veteran's vehicle (funded in part by sales of challenge coins); and the office has delivered food to low-income veterans with help from Rose's Bounty Food Pantry.
He presented a proposed veterans-banner program (sample banner shown to the board) and estimated a cost of about $100 per banner; he suggested the town consider donations or town-paid brackets, particularly to assist Gold Star families. He also said the Veterans Day parade route will be shortened for security, with a ceremony to remain at Town Common.
The board unanimously approved payment for roads and ceremonies for Veterans Day. Several Select Board members offered to help with fundraising for banner brackets and thanked Winterstrand for digitizing files and outreach efforts.
