On September 10, 2024, Todd Rose, the Veterans Service Officer for Codington County, provided an update on the status of veteran claims and transportation services. Currently, there are 177 open claims in Codington County, with 94 pending actions from the VA and 169 claims completed year-to-date. In comparison, Hamlin County has 17 open claims, five pending, and nine completed [430f4a17]. The office is also managing 19 claims from outside counties and has successfully completed 21 claims for veterans from other areas [430f4a17].
In terms of transportation, six veterans were transported in August, with three more scheduled for September. However, there is a pressing need for more volunteer drivers, as the office currently has only seven [430f4a17]. The PACT Act, which has been in effect for two years, has expanded benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances. Despite these advancements, the VA is currently facing a backlog of one million claims and a projected budget shortfall of $15 billion for 2024 [430f4a17].
Additionally, Veteran Transportation Services (VTS) is set to commence on October 1, 2024, with a briefing scheduled at the Hamlin County Commission Meeting on September 17, 2024 [430f4a17]. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges and efforts within the veteran services sector to meet the needs of those who have served the country, particularly in light of the increasing demand for services and support [430f4a17].