VA distributions keep rising

Report: In excess of $107,796,500 distributed in 2017

The federal government’s expenditures for veterans in Lake County increased again in 2017, the Lake County Veterans Service Commission recently announced.

The Department of Veterans Affairs report of distributions made in Lake County for fiscal year 2017 were in excess of $107,796,500, an increase of more than $2.5 million in 2016, and more than $60.5 million from 10 years ago, according to a news release.

The Department of Veterans Affairs disburses funds in Lake County for compensation to veterans for injuries received while in service, war-era pensions for disabled and destitute veterans and their survivors, insurance and education combining for almost $55 million, and medical services

totaling almost $53 million.

The Veterans Service Commission is a function of Lake County government and provides assistance to veterans and their dependents in filing claims for these benefits with the federal government.

The commission attributes the increases, in large part, to the hard work and dedication of its employees, the release stated.

“Our county Veterans Service officers are highly trained professionals extremely dedicated to the veterans of Lake County, and their dependents,” said Jonathan R. Warmeling, the commission’s executive director/service officer in charge. “They are making lives better, and that’s a good feeling.”

He added that as laws are proposed and constantly changing, keeping an eye on Columbus remains necessary.

“One of the newer laws that help our veterans is the Disabled Veterans Real Estate Homestead deduction,” he said.

Veterans that are 100 percent permanently disabled or receiving 100 percent (exemption) due to being unemployable are entitled to the deduction.

“Of the 300 or so hundred-percenters, more than 135 are receiving this additional benefit — we’re pretty happy with that number,” Warmeling said. “We have no idea how many of the other folks own or rent their residences, so if anyone knows of someone that might qualify, they should

call our office or the Lake County Auditor’s Office (at 440-350-2534).

“We have a collaborative effort to connect these veterans with their benefits.”

From the commission’s Claims Assistance Medical Program to free Laketran rides to and from medical appointments or treatment, to helping senior veterans remain in their home, the organization is always aiming to do more, Warmeling added.

“The Lake County Veterans Service Commission’s staff has been working extremely hard these past years, and the effort is obviously paying dividends to our veterans,” said President Tom Zmecek. “I’m extremely proud to be a part of this office.

“Whether claims work with the VA or financial assistance, I hope all veterans will contact our office. We’re all veterans here, and we’re here to serve all veterans.”

“Our county Veterans Service officers are highly trained professionals extremely dedicated to the veterans of Lake County, and their dependents.” — Jonathan R. Warmeling, the commissioner’s executive director/service officer in charge