As the year winds down, this felt like a good time for a gentle reset. Not a deep dive into anything—but a reminder of some basics that come up throughout the year. Nothing new, but important.
Communication matters. If you call the Veterans Services office, please leave a message. It must have been important to you, so it is important to us— but we are unable to return missed calls without a voicemail. A message with your name, number, and reason for calling helps us respond more efficiently. Email is also perfectly acceptable.
While we do our best to accommodate walk-ins, appointments are strongly preferred. We are not always available, so avoid driving to the office to find us unavailable. Please remember we are human and take lunch breaks, so availability during the noon hour is limited. When in doubt, see the earlier point about calling and leaving a message.
County Veterans Service Officers cannot accept gifts. A verbal thank you is more than enough. We chose to serve, and we are compensated by the county. If you feel compelled to express additional appreciation, the most appropriate route is contacting your county administrator and/or county commissioner.
Another common point of confusion involves VA documents. CVSOs may have access to view certain federal records, but we are not allowed to provide copies. These documents are federal property. If you need copies, you should contact VA directly or access your VA.gov account.
Benefit payments by paper check are no longer allowed as of September 30, 2025. Veterans who still receive paper checks should update their direct deposit information as soon as possible to avoid future payment delays.
Don’t wait until a benefit becomes urgent. Many Veterans reach out only when a situation has reached a crisis point—medical bills, housing concerns, missed deadlines, or denied claims. Earlier conversations almost always lead to better outcomes.
Paperwork from VA (or any government entity) should never be ignored. Even when it looks routine or confusing, it usually contains deadlines or requests that affect your benefits. Waiting rarely improves the situation.
Free, accredited help exists. CVSOs, state VSOs, and nationally chartered service organizations provide assistance at no cost. No one should feel pressured to pay for help filing a claim.
Asking for help is not a weakness. Support is available, and no one is expected to navigate these systems alone. As we close out the year, my hope is simple: fewer surprises, fewer last-minute emergencies, and more informed Veterans and families heading into the new year.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
