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Veteran services office reports retroactive payments and steady community outreach
Summary
Veteran Services Officer Gary Elliott told the committee his office handled 488 phone calls, 717 written contacts and 207 office visits in August, submitted 153 disability claims year‑to‑date and secured roughly a quarter‑million dollars in retroactive awards for veterans.
Gary Elliott, the county’s veteran services officer, presented the department’s August activity report, saying the office handled 488 phone calls, 717 letters/emails/faxes and 207 office visits. He said the office has submitted 153 disability claims to date and has received about a quarter‑million dollars in retroactive payments for claims decided in veterans’ favor.
Elliott described outreach efforts including co‑managing counseling sessions with the La Crosse Vet Center and participating in local aging and health outreach events; he also noted a monthly “coffee and conversation” program for veterans that continues to draw regular participants.
Elliott said the county’s perpetual care grant closed Sept. 1, with five cemetery applications reimbursed for a total of $5,960; he noted the county budgets a maximum reimbursement of $7,000 for that program. On training and operations, he reported staff training is up to date.
Why it matters: The report provides a snapshot of high service demand for veterans’ benefits and outreach and shows the office continues to secure retroactive VA payments and manage small grant reimbursements that affect local cemeteries.
