The Placer County Veterans Services Office (VSO) is proving to be an increasingly valuable resource for veterans, fielding an unprecedented 21,491 requests in the past year. This performance shatters their previous records and demonstrates a significant uptick in the services provided to the veteran community. The surge in activity includes over 10,000 in-person visits, nearly double the figure from the previous year, as reported by the County of Placer.
In 2024 alone, veterans who worked closely with the VSO were awarded $14.8 million in VA benefits, a jump of 26% from 2022. The cumulative economic impact since 2020 from benefits secured through the office reaches an impressive $142 million. According to Placer’s Veterans Services Officer Steve Johnson, "Veterans shouldn’t have to struggle to get the benefits they earned and we’re here to make that process easier," as he emphasized the individual and community-level impacts of his team’s work, as per the County of Placer press release.
The county's approximately 25,000 veterans can turn to the VSO for a range of services, all free of charge, including help with claims, healthcare, education, and other benefits. The VSO's recent expansion can be credited, in part to the PACT Act, which extended benefits to those veterans exposed to toxic substances. But it's also down to intensified local outreach, exemplified by the VSO’s participation in over 30 community events and having a seat on the newly-established Greater Sacramento Veterans Workforce Collaborative.
To manage the growing demand, Placer County didn’t skimp, investing over $900,000 in office upgrades. Innovations include a renovated main lobby, the addition of digital signage, and a check-in kiosk that made its debut in 2024. The office also expanded its team by hiring two new staff members, despite still facing a higher caseload than VSOs in similarly-sized counties.
One of the core objectives of maintaining unhindered access, which includes walk-in appointments, is to keep local veterans away from so-called 'claim sharks.' These unaccredited companies are notorious for preying on veterans by charging them for claims-filing services, often employing aggressive or deceptive tactics. In stark contrast, Placer's Veterans Services Office not only offers its services free of charge, but it's also an accredited institution with a team of experienced and trained staff. In a statement obtained by the County of Placer, Steve Johnson reinforces this by saying, "Our team makes a big impact on an individual level as well as on a community level."
For veterans seeking assistance, the VSO maintains regular hours in Rocklin, Auburn, and Carnelian Bay. More information is available at the Placer County website or by calling 916-780-3290.
