Seminole County Veterans' Services Officers Obtain Over $5 Million in Retroactive Compensation for Veterans

Seminole County, FL (February 22, 2024) — In 2023, the Seminole County Veterans' Services Office helped local veterans receive more than $5 million in retroactive compensation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Seminole County Veteran Service Officers assist veterans with obtaining disability compensation for benefits they were entitled to but didn't receive due to administrative delays or appeals. The experienced officers advise on applications and documentation, acting as intermediaries between the individual veteran and the VA.

The $5,033,880.74 in retroactive benefits in 2023 only accounts for backpay and does not encapsulate the ongoing monthly benefits that veterans are entitled to receive moving forward.

“They helped me a lot. I applied for medical three times and I always got back you are not eligible,” said Ned Voska, a Seminole County resident and Air Force Veteran who previously received no disability funds from the VA.

"It generally takes several months for the VA to process benefits claims or appeals, creating a delay in providing our veterans the compensation they are entitled to," explains Jason Althouse, Veteran Service Officer for Seminole County. "Our office takes pride in helping our local veterans navigate the VA claim process and receive their compensation, at no extra cost to them. We often assist them in obtaining 100% of the compensation they should have received during the waiting period."

Seminole County Veterans' Services provides many free services to veterans, dependents, and survivors, including help navigating VA claims, healthcare assistance, education benefits, and more. Veterans can make an appointment or drop in during walk-in hours to speak with an accredited Veteran Services Officer. Visit https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/veterans for more information.