Legislative

HF 1000 would provide funding in the form of matching grants to Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) to expand the number of employees directly working claims for VA benefits in the Department Service Offices. The appropriation we are requesting is $250,000 per year for a minimum of three years. We propose that the grants be administered by the Iowa Department of Veterans affairs.

For example, if salary and benefits to add an employee amount to $80,000, the organization would be responsible for $40,000 and the grant would provide $40,000. The grant would not be for existing employees, but only for adding additional employees.

As veterans, we know the impact the Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) have on Iowa’s veterans. Last fiscal year, veterans and their families represented by VSOs in Iowa received over $1.02 Billion in federal VA benefits. This is compensation for injuries and illnesses they suffer because of their military service.

These benefits are not a windfall for the veterans. It is compensation for the hardships they endure because of military service. They would eagerly trade that compensation for a return to health.

The assistance we provide, in cooperation with the county veterans’ service offices, comes at no cost to the veteran. Legislators are asked to not view this as an expense for the state of Iowa. Instead, view it as an investment in the services provided to Iowa veterans. The veterans in whom we are investing made a much bigger investment in the safety, security, and freedom we all enjoy.

The role of Veterans Service Organizations, County Veterans Service Office and the VA

The VA serves as the decision maker and has the responsibility of adjudicating claims. The role that the Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) play is the preparation of claims and advocating on behalf of the veteran to the VA.

Claims in Iowa typically start with the county. The County Veterans Service Office provides the initial development of the claim, after which they either submit it directly to the VA or through one of the VSOs. The county offices also play a critical role in tracking the claim on behalf of the veteran and providing additional documentation and evidence when necessary.

Where the Veterans Service Offices (VSOs), such as The American Legion, the VFW, and the DAV, enter the picture is when that claim is submitted to the VA. One of the VSOs is typically designated by the veteran to have Power of Attorney (POA) for that claim. The VSO then serves as an advocate for the veteran with the VA.

The VSOs will further develop the claim, if necessary, and represent the veteran through the adjudication process.  The VSOs will also represent the veteran in higher level reviews of the claim or in the case of an appeal if the VA denies the claim.

Why the Grant Program is Necessary

Currently, the VSOs receive no state or federal funding for the services we provide to Iowa veterans. That service is funded entirely through membership dues and donations to our organizations. Furthermore, we provide this service to all veterans, not just those who are members of our organizations.

The challenge that the VSOs face is that our revenue is declining, because of reduced membership and increased competition for donations. Yet, the number of VA claims we represent is increasing. Our military members are surviving injuries that were not survivable in earlier war eras. The number of environmental exposures is increasing due to burn pits and other hazardous conditions. VA claims are becoming more complex, and require more time to professionally develop, so that the VA decision makers can make the right decision the first time.

The VSOs all need more staff, so that we can better represent the veterans of Iowa and get them the benefits to which they are entitled.