Codington County Veterans Service Office Secures $105K in Benefits for Watertown-Area Veterans

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Codington County Veterans Service Office secured more than $105,000 in monthly and retroactive benefit increases for area veterans in August, Veterans Service Officer Jay Roberts reported during the Sept. 1 Codington County Commission meeting.

In his monthly report, Roberts detailed benefit updates, staff training schedules, and details on the agency’s recent office relocation in downtown Watertown.

Financial Increases and Claim Updates

The office secured $94,013 in retroactive payments for August to bring active claims current, bringing the year-to-date total for retroactive payments to $588,988. The office also added $11,978 in monthly compensation increases for veterans and their dependents, pushing the year-to-date monthly compensation increase to $121,398.

“We had 127 open claims and 49 pending action with the VA,” Roberts said regarding Codington County’s current caseload. “202 are completed year to date.”

In addition to Codington County, the office handles claims for neighboring areas:

· Hamlin County: 14 open claims, 7 pending VA action, and 27 completed year-to-date.

· Outside Counties: Actively working with eight veterans, with 11 claims completed year-to-date.

New Location and Transportation Changes

The department has completed its physical move to a new office space downtown.

“We are currently at our new office on 10 North Broadway at Executive Suites on Broadway, door 104,” Roberts said. “So people just need to look for the door 104, as well as we have signage that faces Broadway.”

The move occurred on Aug. 24, with staff assisting clients during the transition before officially opening full-time on Aug. 25. Signage remains posted at the former location, and neighboring business Edward Jones is assisting by directing visiting veterans to the new suite.

Regarding transportation, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) vehicle recorded zero rides in August, with no rides scheduled for September. Roberts noted the office is encouraging veterans to utilize the VA Veterans Transportation Service to help maintain that program’s staffing levels.

“Anytime somebody comes in, we hand them a pamphlet,” Roberts said. “Just trying to increase their numbers so that they keep their people employed.”

Upcoming Closures and Community Events

·         Office Closure: The office will close Sept. 15–18 while staff attend the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs annual benefits school in Sioux Falls.

·         Veteran of the Year: Local veterans organizations are preparing nominations for the Codington County Veteran of the Year. The recipient will be formally recognized during the county’s Veterans Day program in November.

·         Joy Ranch Event: A Veteran Event and Veteran Family Camp is scheduled for Nov. 7–8 at Joy Ranch. Activities begin at 9 a.m. on Nov. 7, with a luncheon served at 11:30 a.m. Overnight accommodations are available for veterans and their families through Joy Ranch.