The main objective of the Veterans Service Office is to provide prevention, protection, advocacy and support services to veterans and their families so they can maximize their quality of life, well-being and potential.
The La Plata County Veterans Service Office provides information and assistance to veterans and their families. There is a wide range of benefits available for our nation’s veterans. Every veteran is encouraged to contact the CVSO to find out more about their VA benefits. Your CVSO can assist you in any matter pertaining to the Department of Veterans Affairs. These services are free of charge. Please visit the La Plata County website at www.co.laplata.co.us for more information about what the La Plata County Veterans Service Office can do for you.
The La Plata County Veterans Service Office is co-located with the Durango VA Clinic at 1970 East Third Avenue, Suite 102, Durango, CO. 81301. For clinic appointments, call 247-2214. The Veterans Service Office phone number is 759-0117. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays, and appointments are encouraged. Call 382-6150 to schedule an appointment with the Veterans Service Office.
What does the Department of Veterans Affairs offer?
VA benefits and services are in these major categories: compensation; pension; health care; vocational rehabilitation and employment; education and training; home loans; life insurance; dependent and survivors; and burial benefits and estate benefits.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible for VA benefits if you are a veteran; a veteran’s dependent; a surviving spouse, child or parent of a deceased veteran; an active duty military service member; or a member of the Reserve or National Guard who has been called to active duty in support of a war or conflict and discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
What are the time limits to apply for benefits?
A variety of time limits apply to education and training benefits. There is no time limit to file a compensation or pension claim or register for VA health care benefits. However, the longer you wait the harder it is to get them approved. It’s best to start the process before you really need it, that way, it’s easier for you to get the help you need when you need it and not have to wait for the enrollment/application process to get approved for any services you may need. In other cases, claims for burial benefits must be filed within two years of the veteran’s burial.
Do you need a VA Identification card?
To get a new or replacement VA ID card, you can stop by the Durango VA Clinic between 1 and 3 p.m. on Friday afternoons. You must bring a utility bill to verify your address and at least two other forms of identification. You must be actively enrolled in VA Health Care to receive a VA Health Care ID card. Please call the Durango VA Clinic for more information at 247-2214 and press 1 for the front desk.
If you are not enrolled in VA Heath Care and want to have an ID card verifying your veteran status, you can go to your local driver’s license office with a copy of your DD-214 and they will update your driver’s license or state ID card to reflect your Branch of Service and Veterans status. Normal replacement card fees apply. This can eliminate the need to carry a copy of your DD-214 with you, and it’s an easy way to verify your veteran status and receive a veterans discount, which is offered by many of LA Plata County area’s local business and restaurants. If they don’t have a sign advertising a veterans discount, just ask and you may receive one.
Please watch for this column, which is published the first Sunday of every month. I will address the benefits listed above in more detail in future columns. For more information, please call me at 759-0117, or email me at schleeterrrs@co.laplata.co.us.
Thank you for your service.
Richard Schleeter is the veterans service officer for the La Plata County Veterans Service Office. He can be reached at 759-0117 or schleeterrs@co.laplata.co.us.
For more information
The La Plata County Veterans Service Office provides information and assistance to veterans and their families. For more information, visit the county website at www.co.laplata.co.us and type “veterans services” in the search window. The Veterans Service Office and the Durango VA Clinic are located at 1970 East Third Ave. The office phone number is 759-0117. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except holidays. Appointments are encouraged. To schedule an appointment, call 382-6150. For clinic appointments, call 247-2214.
Help for vets
The Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support to veterans, family and friends. Call (800) 273-8255 and press 1. You also can text professional responders at 838255 or chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net.
Health care van service
Disabled American Veterans is running a VA health care van from Durango to Albuquerque on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from Farmington to Albuquerque on Mondays and Wednesdays. If you want to use the DAV transportation network, contact DAV coordinators at:
Durango area – 442-0149
Cortez area – (970) 676-1116
Farmington/Aztec – (505) 793-1782
