Codington County Veterans Receive More Than $103,000 in Retroactive Payments in September

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Codington County Veteran Service Office secured over $100,000 in retroactive payments for local veterans in September, according to an update delivered to the Codington County Commissioners.

Veteran Service Officer Jay Roberts presented the monthly report, highlighting significant financial milestones and active claim numbers across the region.

For Codington County, the office is currently managing 124 open claims, with 48 pending action from the VA and 229 claims completed for the year. In Hamlin County, there are 16 open claims, seven pending VA action, and 31 completed for the year.

Roberts added that the office is also assisting nine to 10 veterans outside of the two counties, resulting in 15 completed out-of-county claims this year. A commissioner noted that the out-of-county numbers show that veterans feel comfortable relying on the local staff's expertise.

"This last month, we had an increase of $18,892 just for the month of September and a yearly increase of $140,290 for the monthly increases and retro payments," Roberts said.

The office brought in $103,748 in retro payments during September alone. For the year, retro payments have totaled $683,001.

Roberts also reminded residents about the office's recent relocation to 10 North Broadway in downtown Watertown, sharing that the new space features separate offices for him and his colleague, Eric.

"We just need to let people know again and again that we're downtown at 10 North Broadway," Roberts said. "When you see our Codington County seal on our door and it says Codington County Veteran Service Office, that's not an office into a larger office. It's our office. Don't just walk in. So knock if the door is closed."

Despite the move, Roberts noted that the office continues to see high foot traffic.

"We're very busy," Roberts said. "The other people that work in that area, in that hallway that have offices, they've commented, 'Wow, you guys are really busy. I had no idea.'"

No veterans utilized the DAV vehicle for transport to Sioux Falls in September, but one transport is scheduled for October.

Roberts and his staff recently completed their annual training and are preparing for a busy schedule of community outreach and veteran events.

Upcoming activities include:

·         Voting by the Codington County Vets Council for the 2026 Veteran of the Year.

·         An upcoming veterans appreciation event and overnight veterans camp at Joy Ranch.

·         A VA benefits briefing at the Watertown armory for upcoming South Dakota National Guard retirees.

·         A legislative roundtable at the American Legion on Nov. 19 at 11:30 a.m.

·         A military appreciation event hosted by the Watertown Shamrocks on Nov. 20 and Nov. 21.