CVSO Office Updates
Greetings and HAPPY DECEMBER! I feel like we blinked and the year 2023 has come to an end.
I have spent a lot of time the past few months, learning this new role, meeting all the fine folks who come through our doors, and figuring out how to be a part of the team with Nate, Jen and Karen. I am so grateful for all the patience and grace that everyone has extended my way in this transition. I am so truly looking forward to 2024 and what our team plans to accomplish. We are ready to start the year strong and continue to show up to serve you all the best we can.
Take time this holiday season to cherish your loved ones and spend time enjoying the simple things. You’ve worked really hard to get this far, be proud of yourself!
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Cheers to 2024 and all that’s to come. I’m grateful for each of you and your contribution to this great country. Without you and your service, our holiday season might be a bit different.
 Tiffany Canfield
Veteran Services Manager
Veteran Services Office Snapshot
October 2023:
Total claims submitted to VA:
- Compensation: 77
- VA Healthcare: 22
- DIC: 1
- Burial: 11
- Survivor’s Pension: 1
- CHAMPVA: 0
- Records Request: 11
- Special Monthly Pension: 2
Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls returned, emails returned, etc.):
Veterans in office: 120
Outreach visits: 4
Total phone calls: 438
Average number of calls per day: 14
Average call length: 2 minutes and 16 seconds
Karen's Korner
Dept. of MN VFW, Charitable Association
Military Family Vehicle Donation Program
In January, 2023 the MN VFW, thru the MN VFW Charitable Association, joined in a partnership with LaMettry’s Collision, in the Twin Cities, to award a free refurbished vehicle to a veteran or family of a veteran who has demonstrated a need for a vehicle.
Each Memorial Day, LaMettry’s Collision has awarded thirteen “like new” vehicles since 2012 at no cost and with no strings attached. These vehicles
are initially donated by an auto insurance company who has totaled them
out as the result of motor vehicle crashes. LaMettry’s Collision, in cooperation with other partners who donate parts and materials, restores these vehicles
to a near new condition before they are awarded. They provide all of the labor and the title transfer costs.
The MN VFW Charitable Association, acting on behalf of the MN VFW, gathers all of the information provided by an applicant, reviews each for accuracy, selects at least ten based on need and passes the application form on to LaMettry’s Collision where the final selection is made.
Each VFW post and County Veteran Service Office is the focal point in their community for veterans. They are asked to look within their community for veterans who need assistance; who need a vehicle for everyday life; who need a vehicle to help other in their community; who need a vehicle to help them in
their community volunteer activities.
Each application must include a copy of the veteran’s DD‐214 Discharge Paper to verify that they are a veteran and that they were honorably discharged. The DD‐214 is NOT forwarded on to LaMettry’s Collision and is destroyed after the vehicle is awarded.
Here is the timetable for this year:
* Application submitted between October 1, 2023 and January 15, 2024.
* Charitable Association reviews and send potential candidates by
March 1, 2024
* LaMettry’s Collision will award the next vehicle May, 2024.
* Applications and DD‐214s are to be sent to: Department of Minnesota
VFW Charitable Association Rice Street Station PO Box 17146,
St. Paul, MN 55117
Questions, contact: Ken Schroepfer, President, MN VFW Charitable Assoc.
Phone: 651‐206‐3693, email: handiman47@hotmail.com
PACT Act Claims Clinic
In partnership with Olmsted County CVSO office, the St. Paul Regional Office is excited to announce a Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) PACT Act Claims Clinic on December 20, 2023. We invite you to share the following information with your local Veteran population.
What: PACT Act Claims Clinic with VBA representatives on-site
When: December 20, 2023, 10 am - 3 pm
Where: Graham Park - Crawford Hall
1418 Fairgrounds Ave SE
Rochester, MN 55904
What you can do at the clinic:
* Ask about existing claims
* Start a new claim
* Find out about benefits information for Veterans and Surviving Spouses
Details:
- Please visit https://bit.ly/3T3GzbJ to make an appointment, or call your local CVSO office by December 13, 2023 to reserve your spot! Appointments encouraged
and walk-ins accepted!
- Bring a copy of your DD-214 or discharge papers and any recent correspondence about a claim that you have questions about.
- A VHA (Veterans Health Administration) representative will also be on site to answer VHA related questions.
DAV Transportation
*A friendly reminder from our DAV Transportation Department*
DAV Transportation is a COURTESY SERVICE to help veterans get to VA and Community Care appointments ONLY. Unfortunately, there is not the capacity to assist with transport to C&P Exams.
If you are in need of transportation to a C&P exam, please reach out to Tiffany Canfield (507-328-6358)- she will discuss other options with you.
Seats are very limited so please call Kati to schedule your ride AS SOON AS you are made aware of your appointment date.
Kati sends out the drivers schedule for the week every Monday, so it is very important you get in touch with her at least five business days before your appointment.
Lastly, please be kind! We know your appointment is important and we are doing our best to assist. Due to the volume of folks needing rides, we are unable to accommodate day of, day before, or any last minute changes.
Preston Veterans Home
The mission of the Minnesota Veterans Homes is “serving those who have served” by providing quality health care in an environment of trust, dignity and sharing.
Admission Requirements: All Residents must require skilled nursing care. Eligible Residents come from two categories:
- Veterans who were discharged under honorable conditions from any branch of the U.S. armed forces and are a current resident of Minnesota.
- Spouses of eligible Veterans. Spouses must be at least 55 years old and meet residency requirements.
**Veterans or Veteran spouses must meet Minn. Stat. 197.447.
Residents contribute to the cost of their care according to their means. Additional information is available from our Veterans Benefits Coordinator.
Minnesota Veterans Home - Preston
905 Windmill Road* (subject to change upon completion of new entrance road)
Preston, Minnesota 55965
Phone: 1-833-886-0564
Online at: MinnesotaVeteran.org/Homes
Help Local Veterans in Need
Veteran Salute Silent Auction
When: Saturday, December 9, 2023
Where: Tavern 22 - 3401 Northern Valley Pl, Rochester
Time: 2 - 3 pm
Bid on THOUSANDS of dollars of items and gift certificates from LOCAL businesses. Get some Stocking Stuffers and HELP a Local Veteran in Need!
Chairing this event are Deb Muench, of KNXR Radio and Commander Gilmore, from American Legion Post 92 in Rochester.
All proceeds from this event will be given to local veterans.
How can you help?
Contact family, friends, organizations and businesses and ask for donations of money and/or gifts that can be auctioned off or given as prizes.
Monetary donations can be mailed to:
The American Legion Post 92
ATTN: Gilmore, Post Commander
915 21st Ave SE
Rochester MN 55904
Or if you prefer to make a donation online, please click HERE
Items can be dropped off at:
Minnesota 97.5 FM Radio
1647 - 16th Avenue NW, Ste. A
Rochester, MN 55901
(near Charlies Eatery and Pub)
If you are a local veteran in need, please visit Commander Gilmore at the conclusion of this event.
Attend the event and those of you that are Army or Navy can cheer your team on, and if you're Marine, Air Force and Coasties, you can boo them both, if you wish.
If you have any questions, please contact Deb Muench (507) 990-2021 or Commander Gilmore (507) 398-4249
Kids Christmas Party
VFW Post 1215 is hosting a kids Christmas party on Sunday, December 10 from 1 - 4 pm. The VFW is located at 2775 - 43rd Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901
There will be:
Movies Gifts for the kids
Snacks Games
Crafts AND SANTA!!
Everyone is welcome!!
Calling All WWII Veterans
If you know of any living WWII veterans who could use a little love and appreciation for their service, please contact Commander Jim Anderson, Disabled American Veterans SE MN Chapter 28. Due to confidentiality, our office cannot release any names or personal information, so we’re counting on our readers to reach out to Jim. You can either email him at davsemn28@gmail.com or give him a call at 507-251-2187.
WWII Veterans Eligibility Expansion
All WWII Veterans are now eligible for no-cost VA health care and nursing home services.
WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that all World War II Veterans are now eligible for no-cost VA health care, medical services, and nursing home care.
All WWII Veterans who served between Dec. 7, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946, are eligible under this expansion, regardless of their length of service or financial status. These Veterans will not have to pay copays, enrollment fees or monthly premiums.
VA is reaching out by phone and mail to encourage WWII Veterans who are not currently enrolled in VA care to apply today. Veterans who enroll may also keep their private providers, Medicare, and most other insurance to meet their health care needs.
“These members of Greatest Generation answered the call to serve when our nation – and the world – needed them most. Now, it’s our job to serve them in every way that we can,” said VA Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Shereef Elnahal. “We are proud to provide world-class, no-cost health care to these heroes at VA, and we encourage all of them to enroll today.”
All WWII Veterans are encouraged to enroll in VA health care – the best, most-affordable health care in America for Veterans. Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care are proven to have better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans, and VA hospitals have dramatically outperformed non-VA hospitals in overall quality ratings and patient satisfaction ratings.
Veterans who were not approved for VA health care in the past due to income limits should apply again; income levels no longer apply due to this expansion. VA cannot automatically enroll these Veterans in health care; WWII Veterans must apply for VA health care if they are not currently enrolled.
This expansion is made possible through the Joseph Maxwell Cleland and Robert Joseph Dole Memorial Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2022 (Cleland-Dole Act), signed in December 2022. To apply for VA health care, visit VA’s health care enrollment website, call 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411), or visit your nearest VA medical center or clinic.
Events at Camp Bliss
Guided Veterans Ice Fishing Tournament:
January 10 - 12, 2024
Guided Veterans Ice Fishing Tournament:
January 12 - 14, 2024
Socialization and Ice Fishing for All With Disabilities:
January 19 - 21, 2024
Marines & Sons Ice Fishing Getaway
February 2 - 4, 2024
Camp Lejeune News
VA covers cost of Parkinson’s care for family members of Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune
WASHINGTON — Today, VA announced that family members of Veterans exposed to contaminated drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune from Aug. 1, 1953 to Dec. 31, 1987 are now eligible for reimbursement of health care costs associated with Parkinson’s disease under the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program.
These family members are also eligible for health care reimbursement for esophageal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, multiple myeloma, renal toxicity, miscarriage, hepatic steatosis, female infertility, myelodysplastic syndromes, scleroderma, neurobehavioral effects, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
“Veterans and their families deserve no-cost health care for the conditions they developed due to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune,” said VA’s Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal, M.D. “We’re proud to add Parkinson's to the list of conditions that are covered for Veteran family members, and we implore anyone who may be living with this disease — or any of the other conditions covered by VA’s Camp Lejeune Family Member Program – to apply for assistance today.”
Veterans who served at Camp Lejeune are also eligible for no-cost Parkinson’s health care and other VA benefits. Recent studies have also shown that the risk of Parkinson’s disease is 70% higher for Veterans stationed at Camp Lejeune.
Thanks to the PACT Act, the biggest expansion of Veteran health care and benefits in generations, Veterans and their families can also now file lawsuits for harm caused by exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
To apply for health care reimbursement under the Camp Lejeune Family Member Program, visit the CLFMP program website. To apply for Veteran benefits related to Camp Lejeune, visit VA.gov/CampLejeune.
Veteran Owned Businesses
If you know of a veteran-owned company, please encourage them to get certified as veteran-owned with Targeted Group Preferences / Minnesota Office of State Procurement (mn.gov)
Veterans are also encouraged to start their own business. If they are looking for assistance, please refer them to Rochester Small Business Development Center – Small Business Resources for Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha and Winona counties (rochestersbdc.com)
If you have any questions, please contact:
Jorrie Johnson, MBA, PMP, CIT
Project Manager - Targeted Business and Workforce Compliance
City of Rochester, Minnesota
201 4th Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Office: 507-328-2016 | Cell: 507-259-6362
https://www.rochestermn.gov/wmbe
Don't Feed the Sharks
What is a “Claim Shark”?
* A Claim Shark is an individual or company that charges hefty fees to
“assist” or “consult” veterans with filing their VA benefit claims – this
practice is illegal!
* Claim Sharks are not VA accredited, meaning they aren’t required
to adhere to the well-established professional and ethical standards of
VA accreditation, so their advice can often be misleading or
even fraudulent.
* Like a “Loan Shark,” once you’re in, you can’t get out, and may be subject
to new and hidden fees whenever you get a new rating, no matter
who does the work.
Some of their predatory practices are:
* Promising or guaranteeing an increased disability rating or
percentage increase
* Advertising expedited VA claims decisions
* Requesting login credentials to access a veteran’s personal information
through secure VA websites like eBenefits or VA.gov.
* Using confusing tactics or ambiguous language to mislead claimants or
coerce them into signing a contract.
* Telling veterans to forego VA exams and offering health consultations
within their own network of doctors.
Who are the Claim Sharks?
* Trajector Medical *Patriot Angels
* Vet Benefits Guide *Veteran Care Services
* Veterans Guardian *VetComm
* VA Claims Insider *VA Claims Academy
* Telemedica *Vet Assist
Veterans can protect themselves by:
* Always working with VA accredited representatives
* Attending all exams ordered by VA
* Not signing contracts
* Not agreeing to fees or payments from future benefits
* Not agreeing to pay for medical consultations or opinions
* Not providing access to Protected Health Information or Personal
Identifiable Information
Who is NOT a Claim Shark?
* VA accredited veterans service organization representatives, like the VFW
* VA accredited claims agents
* VA accredited attorneys
* Attorneys assisting with Camp LeJeune lawsuits who do not charge
excessive fees
DontFeedTheSharks.org
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
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
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: December 5, 2023
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 dates:
January 18, 2024
March 21, 2024
May 16, 2024
July 18, 2024
September 19, 2024
November 21, 2024
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: December 28, 2023
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, December 9, 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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