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State veterans officials urge outreach after data shows Grand County trails statewide averages
Summary
State Division of Veterans Affairs staff briefed commissioners on data showing Grand County's per-veteran VA benefit receipts lag state averages and offered assistance with claims clinics, PIV-card training and metrics to increase veteran benefit uptake.
Representatives from the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs told commissioners that Grand County’s average per-veteran compensation and pension and VA health-care receipts lag state averages. The state directors recommended data-driven outreach and offered to support claims clinics and training to improve benefit capture.
Bruce Cowen and staff said county average comp and pen is about $3,782 per veteran vs. a statewide average near $8,012; they said the variance may reflect demographics, outreach effectiveness and where veterans file their benefits. The state urged the county to consider claims clinics, expanded outreach and participation in new regional support structures; officials also discussed VSO training, PIV-card timelines and state stipend mechanics. “If Grand County met the average, it would bring in an additional $52,000,000 per year to the county on a per‑veteran basis,” a state official said, underlining why improved outreach could materially affect county residents.
