Custer County Veterans Services report record claims and funding increase
May 22, 2025 | Custer County, Colorado
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The Custer County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting held on May 22, 2025, focused on veteran services, highlighting significant updates and challenges faced by the local Veterans Service Officer (VSO), Dominic.
The meeting began with Dominic providing a summary of his activities since taking office. He reported handling 40 scheduled appointments and 40 walk-ins within a 17-day period, resulting in a total of 451 claims submitted, with 378 rated, achieving an impressive 83% rating success rate. He noted that April was particularly productive, with an increase in monthly compensation from $20,000 to $45,000, and six veterans receiving 100% disability ratings.
Dominic also discussed the ongoing challenges in serving veterans, particularly those from neighboring Fremont County, which has a significantly larger veteran population of approximately 4,500 compared to Custer County's 581. He expressed concern over the lack of effective support from Fremont County's VSO, which has led to veterans seeking assistance from Custer County instead. He estimated that about 60% of the veterans he assists are from Fremont County, indicating a pressing need for collaboration between the counties to improve veteran services.
The discussion highlighted the critical issues faced by veterans, including homelessness and access to medical care. Dominic shared instances of veterans struggling to receive necessary medical treatment, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and support for these individuals. He noted that the increased workload has necessitated hiring an assistant to manage the growing number of cases.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the vital role of the VSO in addressing the needs of veterans in Custer County and the surrounding areas. The commissioners acknowledged the challenges presented and the need for continued support and resources to ensure that veterans receive the assistance they deserve. Further discussions on collaboration with neighboring counties are anticipated in future meetings to enhance service delivery for veterans.
The meeting began with Dominic providing a summary of his activities since taking office. He reported handling 40 scheduled appointments and 40 walk-ins within a 17-day period, resulting in a total of 451 claims submitted, with 378 rated, achieving an impressive 83% rating success rate. He noted that April was particularly productive, with an increase in monthly compensation from $20,000 to $45,000, and six veterans receiving 100% disability ratings.
Dominic also discussed the ongoing challenges in serving veterans, particularly those from neighboring Fremont County, which has a significantly larger veteran population of approximately 4,500 compared to Custer County's 581. He expressed concern over the lack of effective support from Fremont County's VSO, which has led to veterans seeking assistance from Custer County instead. He estimated that about 60% of the veterans he assists are from Fremont County, indicating a pressing need for collaboration between the counties to improve veteran services.
The discussion highlighted the critical issues faced by veterans, including homelessness and access to medical care. Dominic shared instances of veterans struggling to receive necessary medical treatment, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and support for these individuals. He noted that the increased workload has necessitated hiring an assistant to manage the growing number of cases.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the vital role of the VSO in addressing the needs of veterans in Custer County and the surrounding areas. The commissioners acknowledged the challenges presented and the need for continued support and resources to ensure that veterans receive the assistance they deserve. Further discussions on collaboration with neighboring counties are anticipated in future meetings to enhance service delivery for veterans.
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