b"Veterans AffairsMission StatementOur mission is to assist the Beaufort County veteran population and their dependents in obtaining their fullest Department of VeteransAairs and state of South Carolina benets.Goals and Objectives1. Train the Department Head replacement until my retirement date of June 30 th , 2023.2. Hire two additional Veterans Counselors.3. Meet veterans at the Hilton Head oce on Tuesdays as needed and as trac allows.4. Maintain service complaint level to .01%Department DescriptionCounsels, advises and assist military service veterans, veteran's survivors, and their dependents in obtaining benets provided for themby Federal, State, and County laws as supervisor of the county's Oce of Veterans Aairs. This position is required to sort throughdetailed evidence and prioritize complex issues during each client encounter. All client encounters are condential, with les governed bythe USDVA and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) (Public Law 104-191) regulations. Veteran benetsare dependent upon timely submission of a claim plus supporting documentation. Monetary benets erode as the submission time line isdelayed. Each client who walks through our door has a unique and demanding benet issue, which can require an inordinate amount oftime, exibility, and attentiveness. Each client may present multiple issues during the initial or subsequent encounters, which may or maynot impact the claims as currently structured. Veteran issues are generally complex and often involve events, which are long past,requiring detailed problem-solving skills.Our customer base is dened as veterans and their dependents. These are the only people we assist in this department.All of the above was accomplished with one director, one veteran counselor, and an administrative assistant.Performance MeasuresSouth Carolina Veterans Aairs requires a quarterly report detailing data related to veteran contacts and claims submitted. In 2022, thisoce had 1,462 contacts with veterans and dependents and 662 disability claims submitted.Budget Highlights and Special NotesThe veteran population continues to grow in Beaufort County. The veteran population with dependents is now estimated at 65,000. Thisranks Beaufort County among the top ve counties in South Carolina for veteran population. It has been most notable in Sun City wherewe go twice a month to work with veterans in that community. The latest data of VA expenditures FY21 shows Beaufort County has22,269 veterans receiving tax-free compensation in the amount of $113,945,000. Total VA FY 21 expenditures in Beaufort County was$174,792,000.Expenditures Summary$188,305 -$86,171(-31.39% vs. prior year)Beaufort County, SC | Budget Book 2024 Page 399"