The State of Minnesota is one of the few responsible states that has mandated a network of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO) in each County. The CVSO is held responsible for attaining knowledge on the continually changing array of benefits that are available to the Veteran, their family, the widow, and orphans of Veterans. This includes, but is not limited to, Federal Dept. of Veteran Affairs (USDVA) benefits, State of Minnesota Dept. of Veteran Affairs (MDVA) benefits, and the referral of persons to agencies and organizations that could provide for their immediate and long range needs. The CVSO works very closely with community health agencies, Public Health Service, the court system, the welfare system, financial institutions, and Veterans' organizations for the benefit of the Veteran and their families. In addition, the County Veterans Service Officer meets in various outlying communities monthly to provide service to those who are unable to come to the County Services Building. Community centers and Veterans organizations provide no-cost meeting places throughout the county for this purpose. Home visits and video meetings by the CVSO are made to those unable to leave their residences.
The CVSO processes claims primarily with the USDVA, through accredited representatives, such as the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US., and the MDVA. While the Houston CVSO is also accredited by the USDVA to process claims, it is beneficial to use these organizations as all of these people have offices at the USDVARO & IC, Fort Snelling. By federal and state law, there is no "fee" charged for any services provided by the USDVA, accredited representatives, or the CVSO.
The CVSO must remain cognizant of changes in both federal and state benefits by attending seminars, conferences, and schools provided by the MNDVA and USDVA. By doing so, we can best advise and assist the veteran or veteran-related client. There are approximately 1500 veterans residing in our county. Counting widows, orphans, and children, there are approximately 4000 persons in Houston County who are potentially eligible for our services.
Market Value Exclusion Disabled Veterans, 70 percent, 100 percent. For more information contact CVSO or the County Assessor.
Requesting a copy of a Discharge/DD214 recorded in Houston County from Houston County Recorder