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Veterans Affairs reports higher appeals activity; board approves extra hours for Drug‑Free Communities coordinator
Summary
Jackson County Veterans Affairs reported a busy May—74% claims processed and 437 veterans/dependents receiving $95,227 in April—and the board approved a one‑month contract amendment to allow the Drug‑Free Communities interim coordinator to chaperone six youths to a midyear conference.
The Jackson County Board of Supervisors heard a Veterans Affairs departmental update on June 16 that highlighted a busy month for claims work and outreach, and approved a short, one‑month contract amendment for the county’s Drug‑Free Communities (DFC) interim coordinator.
Ruth, the county’s Veterans Affairs representative, told the board the office processed 30 claims for the month, had 12 decisions at the VA level, seven partial decisions or remands, five new claims and 11 appeals; the office reported a 74% claims processing rate for May. She said the county’s April awards included $95,227 in compensation paid to 437 veterans or eligible dependents. "Our May interactions: we had 119 phone calls, sent 18 emails and saw 40 people in person," Ruth said, describing a shift toward phone‑based service for aging veterans.
Earlier on the agenda, Julie Fern, the DFC interim coordinator, requested a temporary amendment to her contract to add 30 hours for July so she can chaperone six high‑risk youth at a week‑long midyear conference. She explained the extra hours reflect supervising youth with higher needs and that the conference travel and related expenses are covered by the DFC grant. The board moved, seconded and approved the contract amendment.
Ruth also summarized recent outreach events: a drive‑in movie that drew about 63 attendees (roughly half veterans) and a Veterans Appreciation Dinner hosted by the VFW with more than 100 RSVPs. The board accepted the Veterans Affairs minutes from May 13 and placed them on file.
What happens next: staff will continue claims work and outreach and will report back on the DFC program outcomes after the midyear conference.
