CVSO Office Updates
HAPPY NOVEMBER VETERANS!!
This month Veterans Day falls on Saturday November 11. A little history and background on Veteran’s Day:
Veterans Day is an important day for every American and is intended to honor and appreciate all living service men and women who served the United States in all wars. An Act was approved on May 13, 1938, which made November 11 of each year a legal holiday, known as Armistice Day. This day was initially intended to honor veterans of World War I. A few years later, World War II required the most significant mobilization of service members in the history of the United States, and the American forces were sent to fight in Korea. In 1954, the veteran’s service organizations asked Congress to change the word “Armistice” to “Veterans.” Congress made this change, and on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to pay tribute to all American veterans, where ever and whenever they had served.
Take some time to check in on your battle buddies, enjoy a meal together, make a phone call, or just take time to reminisce on the great work you’ve done and your contribution to our nation’s freedom.
There are a bunch of agencies who offer free or discounted meals and services, a list can be found in the link below:
2023 Veterans Day Deals, Discounts and Freebies | Military.com
There are lots of other events, but if you’re a hockey family or a hockey lover like I am, United Hero’s League is putting on a Veterans Day Jamboree - it looks like a blast!! The link below has all the details!
2023 Veterans Day Event » United Heroes League
In other office news, we are moving and grooving this month gearing up for the Oxbow and Chester Woods DEER HUNT! The team is working diligently to get the details ironed out for another year of comradery, fun and outdoor therapy.
Our staff had a unique opportunity to participate in a staff retreat mid-October. I learned that our office staff have not had the chance to engage in a veteran specific staff retreat in quite some time. We came together to discuss how our office can continue to adapt to the high volume of folks calling in and/or making appointments to meet with us. We are continuing to have on-going discussion about how we can make sure each and every one of you has access to us when you need us. We also discussed the importance of self-care, because when we take care of ourselves, we are able to bring our A Game and better show up for the veterans of our community. We also had a neat chance to experience acupuncture, learn about wholistic health, and massage therapy.
I hope you all are taking time to care for yourselves and enjoy the last few weeks of nice weather before we are looking at snow out our windows! Happy Veterans Day and Thanksgiving all!!
 Tiffany Canfield
Veteran Services Manager
Veteran Services Office Snapshot
September 2023:
Total claims submitted to VA:
- Compensation: 84
- VA Healthcare: 22
- DIC: 1
- Burial: 26
- Survivor’s Pension: 1
- CHAMPVA: 3
- Records Request: 5
- Special Monthly Pension: 1
Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls returned, emails returned, etc.): 485
Veterans in office: 106
Outreach visits: 0
Total phone calls: 425
Average number of calls per day: 14
Average call length: 2 minutes and 26 seconds
Rochester Grizzlies Military Appreciation
Rochester Grizzlies Military Appreciation Game 2023
November 4, 2023
Puck Drop 7:05pm
Free Admission for all Active Duty, Reservist, and Military Veterans!
Rochester Recreation Center * North Entrance *
21 Elton Hills Drive NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Military Kids Pre-Game Party & Skate!
Once again, Beyond The Yellow Ribbon Southeast Minnesota will be hosting a Military Kids Pizza Party and Pre-Game Skate, prior to the Military Appreciation Game! This is a way to show our appreciation for your family’s sacrifices to our Nation. BYR SEMN will be serving pizza and beverages, and will cover your families cost of skate rental, if you do not have skates of your own.
If interested, please RSVP by Thursday, 11/2/22 at Craigdugl@Gmail.com for final information. This RSVP will get you and your family into the game for free.
If you are not interested in attending the pre-game event but still want to come to the game, gates will open at 6:15pm, but only Active Duty, Reservists, and Military Veterans will receive free admission, with proper ID. Please note the Grizzlies are now using the North Entrance, on the back of the Rec Center!
State Soldiers Assistance Program
(SSAP) Providing benefits for Minnesota Veterans for 100 years!!
The State Soldiers Assistance Program (SSAP) has provided a variety of benefits for Minnesota Veterans and their families for the past 100 years.
Talk to your County Veterans Service Officer today to learn more about these benefits and others that you may be eligible for!
Dental: Provides $1,500 in annual dental assistance and $6,500 in lifetime assistance for extractions and dentures to Veterans, spouses, and dependents.
Optical: Provides $600 in annual optical assistance to Veterans, spouses, and dependents for exams, prescription eyewear and contact lenses.
Disaster Relief Grants: Provides financial assistance, upon activation by the Governor, for individuals impacted by a natural disaster.
Veteran Relief Grants: Provides broad financial assistance to a Veteran or surviving spouse.
Subsistence: Provides a form of short-term disability to Veterans and surviving spouses who cannot work at their normal occupation for at least 30 days or to surviving spouses within a year of the passing of the Veteran. Assistance includes rent/mortgage, utilities, health care premiums, and cash assistance.
Surviving Spouse and Dependent Education: Provides a tuition waiver and an annual $750 stipend to surviving spouses or dependents of certain veterans at any University or College within the M-State or University of Minnesota systems. Benefits are available until a bachelor’s degree is attained, regardless of age.
Housing/Voucher Deposit Assistance Program (VDAP): Covers the security deposit for any Veteran or surviving spouse who is moving into subsidized housing and in receipt of a housing choice voucher.
More details online at: MinnesotaVeteran.org/Benefits
Veterans Day Fundraiser
John Paulson Big Band Special Veterans Day Fundraiser
"Live" at Wellington's Pub & Grill
1429 W Service Drive, Winona, MN
November 11, 2023 at 7 pm
FREE ADMISSION
All contributions go to support the MN Assistance Council for
Veterans (MACV) and homeless vets in SE MN
Contribute at the event or online at:
The "Jazz for Vets" Gofundme site
Limited Seating - Arrive Early
* www.wellingtons-pubandgrill.com or call 507-452-2103
* www.paulsonjazz.com
CHAMPVA Issue Notification
VA’s Integrated Veteran Care team has identified a syncing error between two systems used to process claims for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), which resulted in incorrect calculations of annual out of pocket expenses (also known as Catastrophic Cap) for certain beneficiaries. Specifically, in the CHAMPVA program, an enrolled beneficiary can only be charged a maximum of $3,000 dollars annually for health care costs. However, as a result of this syncing error, some beneficiaries were overcharged and others were undercharged by VA for care between October 1, 2021 and September 1, 2023.
Upon identifying an initial issue with these calculations in March 2023, the VA immediately halted CHAMPVA claims processing while the issue was being investigated. Since then, they have identified the following impacts:
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Overcharges to CHAMPVA beneficiaries: Since, October 1, 2021, VA has overcharged a total of 6,144 distinct families. These families are owed a total of $2,426,520 by the VA, and they will be paid back directly by the end of this calendar year.
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Possible undercharges to CHAMPVA beneficiaries: The VA is urgently working to identify the beneficiaries who may have been undercharged. They are evaluating whether any funds are owed to the VA as a result of these undercharges, and if so, they will explore all options for debt relief.
The VA deeply apologizes to all impacted beneficiaries and Veteran families, and they will do everything they can to ensure that nobody is further adversely impacted by their error. The VA is working as quickly as possible to identify and contact all impacted families to inform them of this issue.
The VA has now fixed the issue between the systems, and they continue to test systems and validate to ensure that no future beneficiaries are impacted. They will continue to monitor closely for any follow-on systems errors to ensure that this does not happen again. The Integrated Veteran Care team is also beginning to process claims again, after having halted processing to address this issue. Since they paused CHAMPVA claims processing for several months, they now have 25,000 claims pending, which they will work through with the utmost urgency. The VA has already processed the majority (approximately 750,000) of these claims.
While this issue – and other recent VA processing issues – have only impacted a small percentage of those they serve, it’s unacceptable for even one Veteran or beneficiary to be impacted due to these errors. They are taking immediate steps to prevent issues like this from happening in the future, and to ensure that when issues do arise, they are identified and fixed much more quickly. They will continue to work urgently to understand this issue, address it, and – most importantly – take steps to ensure that beneficiaries are not further impacted by their errors.
TRICARE Open Enrollment
TRICARE Open Enrollment Season Coming Soon: TRICARE Open Season will be Nov. 13 - Dec. 12, 2023. This is your chance to enroll or change your health care plan for the next year. If you are satisfied with your current plan, no action is necessary and your coverage will continue automatically for 2024. It is important to note that new retirees have only one year to enroll for TRICARE Prime or Select. Enrollment is not automatic for retirees.
Direct Deposit for Caregiver Stipends
Direct Deposit Only for VA Caregiver Stipends: VA will no longer issue paper checks for all primary family caregivers. Enrollment as a vendor for direct deposits may be done through VA’s Customer Engagement Portal. Caregivers will need their social security number, address, and bank routing/account numbers to complete the required form. The CSP Direct Deposit Enrollment User Guide provides step-by-step enrollment instructions
VA Caregiver Support Program Home
Funeral Pre-Planning Luncheon
FREE to honorable discharged veterans and their spouses (or a guest of your choice).
You have served our community. Now, let us serve and honor you with this event.
When: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 11 am
Where: Whitlock-Sonneberg VFW Post 1215
2775 - 43rd Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
JOIN US FOR DINNER, DOOR PRIZES AND MORE!!
Relax with other veterans, enjoy a free lunch (our treat!), and listen to guest speakers who will provide valuable veteran information that will assist you with your affairs. Everyone who attends will receive a free folder of handouts and information.
Guest Speakers Include:
* Tom Anderson: Winona County Veterans Service Officer, Veterans Benefits
* Pat Zalusky: Laker Planning Service, Funeral & Cremation Planning
* Brenda Schultz: Pre-Planning Specialist
* Joe & David Mahn: Funeral Directors and Owners
* Colin Maxon: Funeral Director
Advance notice is required in order to assist with food preparation and to ensure that there are enough handouts and seating.
PLEASE call 507-280-0311 or email funeralady50@yahoo.com today to guarantee your place.
PACT Act Claim Sharks
PACT Act claim sharks are targeting veterans at unprecedented rates. If you've been on social media or checked your email inbox recently, you've no doubt received countless solicitations from law firms or agencies advertising their assistance with your VA claim in the wake of the PACT Act.
From our National Veterans Service experts, here are some important things to remember:
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NEVER PAY for claims assistance. Presumptive claims are straightforward and can easily be handled by any VA-accredited claims representative.
- File a claim for any PACT Act conditions.
- Contact a VFW Accredited Service Officer today to discuss the PACT Act and what it means for you.
- Hold off on committing to a Camp Lejeune lawsuit until VA publishes how the offset will affect your settlement and benefits.
- If you’ve been fighting for years, you may think a PACT Act claim will be complicated. Good news: Presumptive claims are some of the simplest claims because VA is conceding that your illness happened because you went somewhere bad.
Stay up-to-date with the PACT Act and what it means for your claim by visiting PACTActInfo.org.
VA Welcome Kit
Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.
Based on where you are in life, your VA benefits and services can support you in different ways. Keep your welcome kit handy so you can turn to it throughout your life—like when it’s time to go to school, get a job, buy a house, get health care, retire, or make plans for your care as you age.
Download your VA Welcome Kit
Feel free to share this guide with friends or family members who need help with their benefits too. You can print out copies for yourself and others:
Download our guides to VA benefits and services
For Veterans:
Medical Equipment Available
Are you in need of medical equipment, such as a wheelchair (both manual and electric), walker, electric hospital bed, crutches, etc? Do you have medical equipment that you want to donate to other people in need?
The Kasson American Legion has medical equipment for use by anyone in the area (veterans, cancer patients, accident victims). The equipment is free to use and all they ask is that you return it when you are done so someone else can use it.
For more information, please call Dick Denny at (507) 259-2081. Equipment pick up and drop off is by appointment only.
Women Veterans Over 40 Discussion Group
This group will provide an opportunity for women veterans 40 years old and over to come together for support and community while learning creative ways to choose joy, spread joy and receive joy using evidence-based approaches to support stress relief, resilience, productivity and healthy living.
Sessions include:
* Discussion on relevant physical, emotional, spiritual health and wellness
topics
* SMART goal development and accountability
* Aromatherapy education for overall wellness and application for targeted
support
* Education and preparation of aroma stick, rollerball or spray for application
at home
Hosted by: Dr. Letticia N. Callies, DMin, MA, CCA
Where: VFW Post 1215 (back conference room)
2775 - 43rd Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
When: November 7 and December 5
Time: 6 - 8 pm
ID Cards at the Rochester VA Clinic
VA ID Cards may be obtained at the Rochester VA Clinic by appointment only on the following date:
November 16, 2023
Please call the VA at 1-866-414-5058 to make an appointment in Rochester.
*The Minneapolis VA Medical Center issues ID cards daily.
Click HERE for more information on veteran ID cards.
PTSD Support Group
Olmsted County Veteran Services is offering a support group for veterans that have been diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), or those who have signs and symptoms of PTSD, and their family members. Sometimes the most painful injuries aren't physical. Whether it's PTSD, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), combat stress or any other mental health condition, we're here to help you get through it. The group is facilitated by Jennifer Shumaker, veteran and Olmsted County Veterans Service Officer.
Where: VFW Post 1215
2775 - 43rd Street NW
Rochester, MN 55901
When: November 30 and December 28
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
For more information, please contact: jennifer.shumaker@olmstedcounty.gov
Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) has a long history of awarding service bonuses to Minnesota Veterans who served in America’s wars. Starting in 1919 after World War I, through World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, and now the Global War on Terrorism. MDVA recognizes the sacrifices and courage Minnesotans took to defend our country.
The 2022 Legislature passed, and Governor Walz signed, the first-ever Veterans Omnibus Bill that included funding for a service bonus payable to eligible Veterans who served from 9/11/01 to 8/30/21. MDVA is honored to facilitate this program for eligible Veterans, currently serving service members, or Veterans' beneficiaries.
Application Process
Due to the large volume of applications, users may experience some issues with the application portal. Thank you for your patience.
MDVA began processing payments the week of July 25, 2022. Applicants can expect their mailed check approximately 12 weeks after approval.
The application opened July 7, 2022, and will run until June 30, 2024, or until funds have been exhausted.
Visit the application portal, review and answer the initial pre-screening questions to assist in determining your eligibility.
If it is determined that you may be eligible for the bonus, you will be directed to the application.
- If you have previously applied for the Minnesota GI Bill or Veteran Owned Business Certification, you will login with your existing username and password.
- If you have never applied for the Minnesota GI Bill or Veteran Owned Business certification, you will be prompted to create an account.
If it is determined through the pre-screening questions that you may not be eligible for the Post-9/11 Veteran Service Bonus, then you will be directed to your County Veteran Service Office for additional assistance or guidance.
Please see the MDVA website for Frequently Asked Questions.
**UPDATE**
Governor Walz Signs Veterans and Military Affairs Bill into Law
On May 15, 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed into law a comprehensive veterans and military affairs bill that will move the state closer to its goal of becoming the fourth state to end veteran homelessness, expand service bonuses for veterans, fund Veteran’s Homes, and invest in the readiness of the Minnesota National Guard.
Service and Retention Bonuses
The bill includes an additional $15 million for service bonuses for post-9/11 era veterans and Gold Star Families and $3 million for reenlistment bonuses for members of the Minnesota National Guard. The bill also expands eligibility for the 9/11 bonuses to include veterans who currently live in Minnesota but were not Minnesota residents when they entered service.
Guiding Partners to Solutions
New outreach program connects social workers with residents in need in various community locations
Olmsted County, in partnership with Family Service Rochester, is pleased to bring its Guiding Partners to Solutions (GPS) program to residents in need at various community locations.
GPS is a team of social workers that serves county residents struggling to connect with resources or services they may need. GPS works to reduce barriers and connect individuals and families with housing, cash, food, and insurance assistance and provides help in applying for these benefits.
Guiding Partners to Solutions (GPS) social workers will be available at the following locations:
- Tuesdays, 8 – 10 am
Riverside Central Elementary School
506 - 5th Avenue SE, Rochester NOTE: This is only open to families
with children at Riverside Central. This is NOT open to the public.
- Tuesdays, 3 – 5 pm
The Hylands apartment community
2800 Charles Ct. NW, Rochester
- Thursdays, 11:30 am – 1 pm
The Salvation Army Social Services Center
115 - 1st Avenue NE, Rochester
- Thursdays, 1:30 – 5 pm
Rochester Public Library
101 - 2nd Street SE, Rochester
Saturday Meal Programs
Christ United Methodist Church
400 – 5th Avenue SW, Rochester, MN
Saturday Noon Meal Program
* 11 am: coffee, hot chocolate and light snacks
* Noon: Hot meal served
Please enter the church via the west door on 5th Avenue and join us in the lower level of the church in Wesley Hall
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Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Ruby's Pop-Up Pantry
2703 - 9th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN
Ruby’s Pantry is for ANYONE that eats! There is no income or residency requirement and Ruby’s Pantry is for anyone looking to extend their monthly grocery budget. Each guest donates a $25 donation and receives an abundance of grocery items. Please bring two totes or baskets. Drive thru distribution. Ruby’s Pantry is not government funded and is a 501 C3. Each donation is used to cover operational costs like trucking, gas, and warehouse staff. All of the food is donated by corporate food donors making it possible to reach more families each month at locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Next Pop-Up Pantry is Saturday, November 11, 2023
DAYS AND HOURS: 2nd Saturday of the Month. Registration begins at 9 am. Food bundles available 9 -10:30 am
Seasons Hospice Ongoing & Special Programs
All grief group participants of Seasons Hospice must be registered 24 hours in advance. To register or for more information, click on the blue button and you will be directed to their website.
Jobs at the MN Department of Veterans Affairs
Interested in serving Veterans? Looking to make a difference in your community? Consider a career with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA)! Roles in healthcare, nursing, facilities management and program management are featured below. MDVA proudly offers competitive pay, generous benefits as a State of MN employee, welcoming and supportive teams, and most importantly, meaningful careers.
To see full job posting and apply:
1. Go to https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/ and select your applicant type:
External Applicants or Current Employees or Accessible Applicant Portal.
2. On the Careers landing page, enter the Job ID in the Search Jobs field.
Click on the posting.
3. Select “Apply for Job” button. New users will need to create an applicant
account to apply.
JOBS
Local Service Organization Meetings
For a full list of local organizations and meetings, please click on the blue button.
"To promote the interests and welfare of veterans, their dependents and survivors and to enhance their quality of life through counseling, claims assistance, education, advocacy and special projects."
2100 Campus Dr. SE, Suite 200
Rochester, MN 55904
507-328-6355
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