Washington County veterans office reviews services, staffing and federal benefit trends

The county’s veterans services director briefed the Health and Human Services committee on the office’s mission, staffing and recent federal benefit trends.

The director said the office assists veterans and their families — including surviving spouses, dependent children and caregivers — in preparing, filing and pursuing benefits at the federal, state and local levels. "We assist veterans and their families ... securing earned benefits at the local, state and federal level by representing and advocating for them throughout such processes," the director said during the presentation.

He told the committee the county has about 4,000 veterans, approximately 8% of the county population, and that his office’s caseload is predominantly casework. He listed staff as "myself as a director and one of three VSOs," deputy director Michael, VSO Josh Worthington (newest VSO), senior clerk Peyton Bassett and part‑time clerk Ashley Johnson, plus four part‑time transportation drivers and interviews for four additional driver positions.

Explaining the office’s authority, the director said local Veterans Service Officers are accredited representatives authorized to represent veterans before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He said the office files claims primarily through the American Legion and also maintains New York State Division of Veterans Services accreditation as a backup.

The director presented a chart of VA federal expenditures to Washington County from 2016 through 2024 and highlighted growth in two large categories. He said federal medical‑care spending for county veterans in 2024 was about $16.9 million, and that compensation and pension payments in 2024 were just over $22.1 million, plus roughly $2.1 million for survivors’ benefits.

He and supervisors discussed how reduced VSO staffing in 2022–2024 limited the office’s capacity to file or follow up on claims; the director said 2025 figures should show an increase now that accredited staff have returned. He also urged veterans to make appointments with a VSO rather than waiting for emergencies.

A resident asked about the property‑tax exemption for veterans rated 100% by the VA; the director said recent state changes added multiple eligibility criteria — including a permanent total VA rating and evidence of a qualifying housing alteration or grant — that have made full exemptions more difficult to obtain and said Real Property staff (Miranda) can provide additional detail.

The director closed by offering to forward his slides to the board and to meet with veterans individually to review potential benefits. The committee did not take formal action on veterans office staffing or budgeting during the meeting.