Uvalde County veterans officer asks for one assistant as VA payouts climb to about $23 million

Lalo, Uvalde County’s Veterans Service Officer, told the commissioners that the county received roughly $23,000,009.26 in VA-related payments in the last reported fiscal year, an increase from about $18,000,311 reported for 2020. He described a heavy caseload, examples of large retroactive awards to surviving spouses, and barriers for older veterans who lack smartphones or internet access.

"The paperwork for to get assistance for the veterans is unbelievable," Lalo said, describing long lines at his small office and the need for an administrative backup to handle routine forms so he can focus on appeals and outreach.

Lalo asked the court to provide "one" staff person — not necessarily full time — to perform administrative duties and help with grant writing and outreach. He stressed that having support would allow him to research denials, resubmit claims, and assist more veterans and surviving spouses; he said he has identified veterans who received substantial back pay after appeals (one case he cited reached $357,000).

Commissioners voiced sympathy and at least one indicated support for exploring help: "When the time comes... we can get you some help," a commissioner said during discussion. The court voted to approve Lalo’s report as presented, but the transcript does not record any specific budget approval or an amendment to add staff during the meeting.

On service details, Lalo noted that VA pension eligibility is strict (he said pension typically requires income under about $1,000 per month) and highlighted newer caregiver benefits that can pay a qualifying spouse roughly $1,800 per month if certified by the VA.

Lalo also said the county identified 1,399 veterans on the most recent annual report and believes outreach could increase benefit take-up. He urged the court to consider grants or county support to assist veterans and surviving spouses in the community.

The court approved the Veterans Officer report by voice vote; no roll-call or budget motion to hire assistance is recorded in the transcript.