CVSO’s Help Secure $1.3 Billion of Disability and Pension Payments in 2015
Contributed by Andy Smith, AOC Veterans Policy Manager
September 26, 2016
More than $1.3 billion per year was received by Oregon veterans in disability compensation and pension payments in 2015. This money, more than $106 million per month, flows back into local communities and helps promote a healthy economy in Oregon.
Additional “Objectives and Accomplishments” from the recently released ODVA Report:
- ODVA continued the additional $1 million in funds above base budget to support County Veteran Service Offices.
- Worked with Polk County to establish a veteran services office, estimated to open January 2017.
- Continuously increased new annual Powers of Attorney (POAs) by 30 percent from 8,221 in 2013 to 11,842 in 2016.
- Oregon increased new annual claims filings by 52 percent from FY 2013 to FY 2016.
- Doubled the agency’s training capacity for veteran service officers (from one trainer to two) and certified 30 new veteran service officers between FY 14 and FY 16.
- Established an Aging Veteran Services Director to lead efforts related to aging veteran issues, along with benefits and resources unique to this demographic that makes up more than 50 percent of the Oregon veteran community.
- Held Tribal Veteran Representative (TVR) training for 27 TVR’s from 12 different tribal nations.