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Sullivan County veterans director reports increased outreach, VA claims improvements and cross‑accreditation
Summary
The director reported staff accreditation, increased outreach to newly registered veterans, recent VSA activity numbers, and VA processing improvements tied to recent federal changes such as the PACT Act.
The Sullivan County Veterans Service director gave an update on staff accreditation, outreach work and recent trends in VA claims processing during the committee meeting.
"Our administrative assistant April Barshau has achieved accreditation by the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers and cross accreditation with DAV," the director reported, noting the staff can now assist more broadly with claim submissions and will receive PIV access soon. He also said VSA staff have assisted at community assistance centers to distribute food pallets and that staff continue to conduct wellness checks for elderly veterans and those experiencing food insecurity.
The director briefed the committee on recent VA performance metrics, saying the VA reduced backlog by more than 74,000 claims and that the agency processed over 2,000,000 disability benefit claims in fiscal year 2025 "a month ahead of schedule compared to FY24." He linked an increase in younger veterans contacting the office to the PACT Act and new regulations that have encouraged more veterans to seek services.
Committee members asked follow-up questions about referral protocols and the director described coordination with community partners, peer navigators and the local veterans advisory board. The director said the office will continue wellness checks and outreach and will distribute a resource list to partner organizations to help with referrals.
