Advocates urge Van Zandt County to fund full‑time Veteran Service Officer, citing long waits and local VA revenue

Supporters of expanded veteran services told the Van Zandt County Commissioners Court on Tuesday that the county should restore and expand its Veteran Service Officer (VSO) to full‑time status, plus add a deputy and office secretary to handle rising demand.

"Right now I'm only seeing about 5% of the veterans here in this county," the county's accredited Veteran Service Officer said, urging the court to fund two full‑time VSOs and a secretary to improve outreach. He said the county had more than 5,000 veterans and that VA compensation and pension payments to local veterans amounted to roughly $32,000,000 in 2024.

Public commenters gave personal accounts backing the request. A long‑time local veterans advocate who described himself as a Navy Vietnam veteran urged the court not to "abandon our veterans," saying many residents distrust VA systems and wait months for appointments and claim decisions. "Waiting times are now 3 months out. That wait time is inexcusable," he said. A nonprofit operator who runs a small veterans housing and recovery program described bringing veterans into services and asked the court to consider funding to expand those connections.

Proponents said accreditation matters: an accredited VSO can access veterans' records directly, file for benefits and navigate complex appeals. The VSO described the certification process as a multi‑course federal access program that culminates in computer access and a PIV card used to review service and medical records.

Commissioners voiced support for the goals but differed on pace and price. One commissioner said a phased approach might be prudent: bring a VSO on full time this year and add additional staff later, rather than immediately approving a roughly $200,000 staffing increase. "We can grow toward it," a commissioner said, while another framed a full‑time VSO as "a debt owed to the past," arguing early outreach could reduce future mental‑health costs.

The court did not vote on a specific staffing package at the workshop. Commissioners requested additional data and said they would consider the proposal as part of the FY27 budget discussions. The VSO and advocates urged a near‑term decision to avoid further delays for veterans seeking benefits.

Why it matters: County‑level VSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans navigating claims and health care. Supporters argued that more certified staff would reduce waiting times, increase approved claims and bring additional compensation that circulates locally; commissioners said they want more budget detail before committing to a full expansion.

What’s next: The court asked presenters for follow‑up information on caseloads, projected revenue impacts, and a phased staffing alternative for FY27 budgeting.