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Lancaster County veterans office reports nearly $11 million in benefits to local veterans in 2025
Summary
The county's Veterans Service Office reported 2,203 VA claims submissions and about $4.3 million in retroactive payments plus an estimated $6.6 million in annualized monthly increases in 2025, totaling nearly $11 million in additional benefits, and said Nebraska Veterans Aid use rose after program changes.
Mark Lakamp, Lancaster County Veterans Service Officer, told commissioners on Feb. 5 that his office completed 2,203 VA claims submissions and recorded 2,462 office visits in 2025. While claims submissions and visits were down slightly from 2024, Lakamp said the financial impact to veterans increased substantially.
'We secured approximately $4.3 million in retroactive payments and an estimated $6.6 million in annualized monthly benefit increases for veterans in 2025,' Lakamp told the Board, summarizing the office's annual metrics.
Lakamp said the combined effect was nearly $11 million in additional benefits to Lancaster County veterans last year. He also reported increased utilization of Nebraska Veterans Aid after program changes that now allow coverage of past-due bills, which has reduced reliance on county-funded assistance. The office identified 266 veterans under a new Veterans Health Administration eligibility metric and saw steady daily inquiries related to a new motor vehicle tax exemption, averaging about 10 to 15 calls per day.
Why it matters: The numbers indicate a significant direct financial benefit for county veterans and illustrate how state program changes and benefit administration affect local need for county assistance. County officials said coordination with state agencies and the County Treasurer and DMV has improved delivery of benefits and reduced county-funded assistance demand.
What's next: Lakamp said the office will continue to track VHA eligibility changes, monitor Nebraska Veterans Aid utilization, and report back on trends that could affect county support requirements.
