Linn County Veteran Services Advocates for Local Veterans and Their Families

For veterans trying to navigate the process of getting benefits through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or VA, it can easily become overwhelming and confusing. This Veterans Day, Linn County thanks all veterans for their service and wants veterans and their families to know about the free services Linn County provides to local veterans and their families.

The Linn County Veteran Services Department has nationally accredited veterans service officers who can ease the transition from service to civilian life and help veterans navigate the complexities of the VA system.

One in four Linn County veterans are connected to federal benefits that result in $6.2 million in federal funding coming to Linn County each month as a result of working with Linn County's Veteran Services Department.

All services are provided free of charge.

"We are here to assist veterans and their eligible dependents with the benefits application process and to help ensure they get the maximum benefits they have earned," Veteran Services Director Dustin Peterson said. "For some, the thought of submitting their initial claim can be intimidating. We can help reduce the confusion and anxiety associated with filing a claim."

In addition to federal programs for compensation and pension, additional benefits available to eligible veterans may include:

• Emergency assistance (rent, mortgage, and utilities)
• Indigent burial
• Obtaining military discharges, military medical records, and medals
• VA healthcare applications and referrals to other VA resources
• Veteran designation on Iowa Driver's License or State ID
• Iowa Veterans Home
• Iowa Veterans Trust Fund
• Flag holders for veterans buried in Linn County
• Death and memorial benefits

"Our commitment to veterans doesn't stop once the initial claim has been submitted. Our department's commitment to serving veterans spans from the day he or she leaves the service to providing services to his or her surviving spouse. This lifetime commitment includes informing veterans of changes to VA benefits and eligibility, filing additional claims after the initial claim has been decided, and assisting veterans throughout the appeals process. We are your advocates," Peterson said.

For more information about the Linn County Veteran Services Department, visit LinnCountyIowa.gov/Veteran.

Linn County Veteran Services is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Veterans should make an appointment before visiting Linn County Veteran Services. Scheduling an appointment helps ensure each veteran brings the appropriate paperwork and documentation needed for services, potentially saving an extra trip to the office.

To schedule an appointment, please call 319-892-5160 or email Veteran Services staff.