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County Veterans Service Office reports outreach expansion and continued federal benefits for veterans
Summary
Veterans Service Officer Brian Galacy told the board the office has increased in‑person service, added satellite clinics and is handling claims and burial benefits despite staffing transitions; he reported substantial federal dollars flowing to local veterans and described continuing coordination with community partners.
Brian Galacy, Calaveras County Veterans Service Officer, delivered a semiannual report covering fiscal years 2023–24 and 2024–25. He said the office now operates monthly satellite clinics in West Point and Arnold and is seeking additional locations in Angels Camp, Railroad Flat and Copperopolis.
Galacy said staffing transitions have temporarily reduced claims throughput — a long‑time representative took a VSO position elsewhere and a newly accredited representative only began submitting claims in August — but the office continues to assist more than a thousand people in person each year and said it is bringing federal dollars into the county for veterans. “We are still bringing in… Over $8,000,000 a month or a year. I'm sorry. $88,000,000 a year,” Galacy said while reviewing aggregate benefit figures.
He reported a high approval rate for several claim categories, including burial benefits (83% approval reported) and pension/compensation categories in the 50–75% approval range for claims submitted during the period. The office also reported its largest Medi‑Cal cost‑avoidance payment for a six‑month period, helped by additional documentation from county HHSA staff.
Board members thanked Galacy for outreach and for holding satellite clinics; supervisors asked whether SNAP disruptions were affecting veterans and Galacy said VA benefit payments continued on schedule and he had not been told of delays to VA benefit disbursements.
Galacy said the office remains open weekdays at the Jennette Lynn Veterans Memorial Building and provides walk‑in hours while it trains newly hired clerical and program staff.
