CVSO Office Updates
Hello and WELCOME to the new year folks! 2026 is going to be a good one, I can feel it in my bones! Thank you for being here and sticking with us. This month we are going to cover VA Community Care and Urgent Care benefits.
If you’d like a copy of any of the “One Page” informational handouts, let us know and we can get you copies of these documents.
Understanding VA Community Care & Urgent Care Benefits
VA Community Care: What Veterans Need to Know
VA Community Care allows eligible Veterans to receive care from non-VA providers in their local community when certain criteria are met.
Who is Eligible for Community Care?
You may be eligible if any ONE of the following applies:
- Service Unavailable: The service you need is not offered at VA (example: maternity care or IVF).
- Facility Unavailable: You live in a U.S. state or territory without a full-service VA medical facility.
- Grandfathered Choice: You qualify under the former Veterans Choice Program distance rules.
- Medical Interest: Your VA provider determines it is in your best medical interest to receive community care.
- Quality Standards: VA cannot provide care that meets its own quality standards.
- Access Standards: You cannot get timely care at VA based on distance or wait times.
Important: You do not need to meet all six criteria — meeting one may qualify you.
Access Standards (Distance & Wait Times)
Drive Time Standards
- Primary Care / Mental Health: More than 30 minutes
- Specialty Care: More than 60 minutes
Wait Time Standards
- Primary Care / Mental Health: Over 20 days
- Specialty Care: Over 28 days
How Community Care Works
- VA confirms eligibility
- Appointment is scheduled (by VA, you, or a Third-Party Administrator)
- You receive care from a VA-approved community provider
- VA handles billing through its Third-Party Administrator (TPA)
Common Community Care Questions
- Do I need VA authorization? Community care must be authorized by
VA before your appointment.
- Can I choose any provider? Care must be with a VA-approved
provider in VA’s network.
- Will I pay a copay? Copays follow VA rules, not the community
provider’s rules. Payments go to VA, not the provider.
- Can I still see my VA provider? You may continue seeing your VA primary care provider even while using community care.
- Does VA cover travel pay? Yes, if you are otherwise eligible for Beneficiary Travel.
Accessing VA Urgent Care
What is the VA Urgent Care Benefit?
VA-enrolled Veterans can receive care for minor illnesses or injuries at in-network urgent care clinics, in addition to VA medical facilities.
Examples include:
- Colds and flu
- Minor burns
- Skin infections
- Minor injuries
Who is Eligible for Urgent Care?
You must:
- Be enrolled in VA health care, and
- Have received VA care within the past 24 months (at VA or through VA community care)
How to Use Urgent Care
- Find an in-network urgent care clinic at:
 va.gov/find-locations
- Tell the provider you want to use your VA urgent care benefit
- The clinic will verify eligibility with VA
You do NOT need an appointment or prior authorization
Urgent Care Copays
- Copays depend on your priority group
- No copay is paid at the visit
- VA bills you later, if applicable
Important Urgent Care Notes
- Emergency situations: Call 911 or go to the nearest ER
- No insurance card required
- VA confirms eligibility at the clinic
Need Help or Have Questions?
- VA Health Eligibility: 877-222-8387
- Finding Urgent Care Locations: 877-881-7618
- Billing or Debt Collection Issues: 866-400-1238
VA Urgent Care: Copays, Prescriptions & What’s Covered
Will I Have to Pay Any Fees or Copays?
You may be charged a VA urgent care copay depending on:
- Your VA Priority Group
- The number of urgent care visits you have in a calendar year
Important: Copays are NOT paid at the visit. VA bills you later.
Urgent Care Copay Breakdown
Priority Groups 1–5
- First 3 visits/year: $0
- 4th visit and after: $30 per visit
Priority Group 6
- If visit is related to a VA “special authority” condition:
- First 3 visits: $0
- 4th visit and after: $30
- If NOT related to a special authority condition:
Priority Groups 7–8
All Priority Groups (1–8)
- Flu shot only visit: $0 copay
**There is no limit on the number of urgent care visits you may use.**
Is Urgent Care a Replacement for Primary Care?
No. Urgent care is for minor, short-term illnesses or injuries only.
Urgent care does NOT replace:
- Preventive care
- Ongoing or chronic condition management
- Complex medical needs
➡ For these, you should continue working with your VA primary care provider.
If you receive non-covered services at urgent care, you are responsible for the full cost.
Are Urgent Care Prescriptions Covered by VA?
Yes — with some guidelines:
- VA covers prescriptions written during an urgent care visit
- Up to a 14-day supply may be filled immediately
- Prescriptions longer than 14 days must be sent to VA for filling
- Opiates are limited to 7 days or fewer, per state law
Where Can I Fill My Prescription?
You may fill a short-term prescription at:
- A VA pharmacy
- A VA-contracted pharmacy
- A non-contracted pharmacy
 If you use a non-contracted pharmacy, you must:
- Pay out-of-pocket
- File a reimbursement claim with your VA medical facility
Will I Have a Copay for Prescription Medications?
You may be charged a medication copay.
- Medication copays are billed separately by VA
- Billing follows VA’s standard copayment rules
What Urgent Care Services Are Covered?
- Care for minor injuries and illnesses (like strep throat, pink eye, sprained muscles, and skin and ear infections)
- Diagnostic services like X-rays and some types of lab tests
- Some types of medicines and vaccines
How Do I Find an In-Network Urgent Care or Pharmacy?
Use VA’s Facility Locator: www.va.gov/find-locations
Does VA Cover Travel Pay for Urgent Care?
Yes — eligible Veterans may receive Beneficiary Travel reimbursement.
- VA reimburses travel to the nearest VA or community facility that could have provided the care
What Are “Special Authorities”?
Special authorities include conditions related to:
- Combat service and toxic exposures
- Agent Orange
- Camp Lejeune
- Ionizing radiation
- Project SHAD / Project 112
- Southwest Asia conditions
- Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
- Certain presumptive mental health conditions, including psychosis
Learn more at: www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures
Cheers to a new year and lots of joy and happiness to you all!
 Tiffany Canfield
County Veteran Services Officer (CVSO) & Manager
tiffany.canfield@olmstedcounty.gov
507-328-6358
Veteran Service Office Snapshot
November 2026
Total claims submitted to VA:
- Compensation: 80
- VA Healthcare: 19
- DIC: 1
- Burial: 16
- Survivor’s Pension: 1
- CHAMPVA: 0
- Records Request: 0
- Special Monthly Pension: 0
Points of contact with veterans (office visits, incoming mail, phone calls
returned, emails returned, etc.): 341
Veterans in office: 79
Outreach visits: 0
Total phone calls: 240
Average number of calls per day: 8
Average call length: 2 minutes and 24 seconds
Women Veterans Spotlight
HAPPY JANUARY SISTERS! This year I plan to highlight women veterans in our community. Some of them you may know, others you may get to know through their interviews and stories shared here. I learned last year, through this outlet, that many of us have similar stories, reasons why we joined, and ways of living now that reflect our unique time in the military. This year, I’m bringing us together through the power of storytelling. My hope is that as you read the stories of other women veterans in our community, you will feel a sense of belonging and sisterhood with those who also wore the uniform.
This month I plan to kick us off by introducing my new and dear friend, Brittany Strum. She and I have worked together inadvertently the past 2 ½ years and just recently took time to meet one another in real life and chat over coffee. It was a breath of fresh air and a friendship I didn’t know I was missing until I met her. She is an amazing human doing amazing things in our community. I feel so lucky to call her my friend and that I get to work with her through the DAV.
In Their Own Words
Women Veterans serve for many reasons — calling, opportunity, family tradition, necessity, or the simple belief that they could make a difference. Their experiences in uniform are as varied as they are powerful.
In this Women Veterans Spotlight, we are honored to share the voices of women who served, led, endured, and grew through their military experience. These stories reflect moments of pride, challenge, sisterhood, resilience, and transformation — and how service continues to shape who they are today. We invite you to read, reflect, and celebrate the many ways women Veterans continue to serve long after the uniform comes off.
Brittany Strum
Marine Corps|4. 5 years | Logistics
Current Chapter: I proudly answer to Manager of Chaos. Between a fast-paced marketing career, finishing my second master’s degree, raising two hockey-obsessed boys, and blending a family with bonus daughters, life moves fast, and I like it that way. Add in volunteering with DAV, learning ice skating, curling, and even accounting, and you’ll find me thriving right in the middle of the madness.
Why I Served
For me, it wasn’t about tradition or a lifelong dream. It was a decision born out of necessity and a need to escape a different kind of chaos. I watched my mom survive an unhealthy relationship and work herself to the bone to raise five kids. At the time I made my decision, two of my siblings were headed down difficult paths, and I knew I didn’t want to get stuck in that cycle.
I wanted to travel. I wanted to do something hard. I wanted something so different that it required getting on my first flight ever and stepping onto those yellow footprints (if you know, you know).
My Time in Uniform
My first duty station was Okinawa at Camp Foster, where I served with Marine Wing Support Group 17. That’s where I became grounded in logistics operations, learning how to work with large support units, manage flight line coordination, and handle cargo control in a fast-paced operational environment.
During that time, I also served as the colonel’s driver, an experience that gave me unique exposure to leadership and responsibility. I had the opportunity to fly with him in a Black Hawk to Iwo Jima, and on the return trip, I traveled with my unit on the USS Harpers Ferry, moments that remain especially meaningful to me.
Within a year, I was putting my training into practice during pre-deployment readiness exercises in South Korea and Thailand. In 2008, I deployed to Iraq for nine months with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172. During that deployment, I was stationed in Al-Qa’im, Rawah, and later Al Asad Airbase.
One of the most defining moments of my service was helping establish a forward operating base near the Syrian border, operating without immediate quick-response support. That experience reinforced the importance of preparation, teamwork, and accountability.
What I Loved Most
The bonds you form with fellow Marines and with service members across the military are unlike anything else. Every branch shares hardship, sacrifice, and a deep sense of trust that comes from doing hard things together. In the Marine Corps, those bonds are forged early and intensely, creating a connection that stays with you long after the uniform comes off.
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One example that stands out for me came during my deployment in Iraq. Like many, we worked out constantly to pass the time, and that’s where I trained for and ran my first half-marathon. Our Sergeant Major loved running and organized a group to train together. When we returned home, that bond didn’t end. We kept training, and it eventually led me to run my first full marathon in Naha, Japan. The number of runners and spectators was incredible, and the experience was truly special, made even more meaningful because of how it started. |
Beyond the relationships, there’s a deep and lasting sense of accomplishment that never fades. The memories, the service, and the knowledge that only about 7% of Americans will ever serve, and only a fraction of those earn the title Marine. It’s something you carry with you for life and something I will always be proud of.
What Challenged Me Most
One of the most challenging experiences was the three months I spent at Parris Island. It was mentally exhausting in ways I wasn’t prepared for, and that mental strain often overshadowed the physical demands. You don’t realize how much of it is a psychological test until you’re deep in it.
About three-quarters of the way through training, my grandfather, who I was extremely close to and who had been the strongest father figure in my life, passed away from cancer. I was given the option to go home, but my grandmother told me something I will never forget: he would have wanted me to finish, and to finish on time. Carrying that loss through the final weeks of training was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I did it. That experience forever changed how I define perseverance.
Another challenge, and one that isn’t always easy to talk about, was navigating the sexualization of women during service. Standing shoulder to shoulder with men who were meant to be your brothers, while sometimes feeling reduced or scrutinized, was deeply difficult. Many women who serve face this reality, and it requires an added layer of resilience that often goes unseen. Learning to endure that while still showing up, leading, and completing the mission was a defining moment of growth for me.
Life After Service
The path of service led me exactly where I am today, I’m certain of it. It wasn’t easy, but no one’s life truly is. Life is a journey shaped by a long series of choices, and military service gave me the foundation to keep choosing forward.
I became a mother shortly after leaving the service, welcoming my first son, Dominic (14), just nine months later, and my second son, Christian (10), in 2015. I took full advantage of the GI Bill, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Strategic Communications, and I’m currently working toward my MBA.
In 2024, I remarried and gained two incredible bonus daughters, Haylie and Kaydyn. Today, we live on the south side of Stewartville on a little slice of hunting heaven, complete with goats, chickens, and plenty of space to breathe.
Professionally, I work in marketing at Olmsted Medical Center, where I get to blend creativity with purpose by promoting extraordinary people in healthcare and helping patients find their path through campaigns that support their best possible health.
What Still Stays With Me
It’s definitely not the perfectly made bed or cleaning with a toothbrush. What did stick is grit and resilience. Military service pushes you through challenges that demand more from you than you think you have. Somewhere along the way, you become the leader you didn’t realize you were capable of being, shaped by experience, not titles. Looking back, service didn’t just change my direction; it gave me the tools to build a life rooted in discipline, resilience, and intention. And that’s something I carry forward every day.
Sisterhood Beyond the Uniform
I left for the military barely eighteen, graduating early from a different high
school than the one I had been attending. The friends I grew up with wrote me letters all through boot camp, and some stayed in touch when I deployed. But when I came home, my life had changed in ways I didn’t yet know how to explain. Slowly, I lost touch with most of them. One of my biggest regrets is not being more intentional about maintaining those friendships.
That said, some of the friendships I formed with the women I served with have endured, while others naturally faded. We shared a powerful bond in that season of life, but what I never expected was the sisterhood I would find years later. More than a decade after my service, I’ve built deep, meaningful friendships with women in the veteran community; connections rooted not just in who we were then, but in who we’ve become.
What I Miss — and What I Don’t
I miss the people. The bond that forms when you’re doing something hard together, the humor, and the unspoken trust that comes from shared sacrifice. I miss knowing the person next to me always had my back.
What I don’t miss is the loss of control over my time, my body, and sometimes my voice. I’m grateful for the discipline the Marine Corps gave me and equally grateful for the freedom to choose how I carry it forward.
The Lesson I Live By
Discipline. It instilled respect for my country, for service, and for the pride of being an American. That discipline still guides me today, and it’s something I now strive to pass on to my children.
Words for the Next Generation
Advocate for yourself early and often. The military is designed to break you down and rebuild you, and at times it can make you feel small or unheard, but your voice matters. Strength isn’t just pushing through; it’s knowing when to speak up, ask questions, and support one another. You deserve to be treated as a sister in arms – always, without exception.
And don’t be afraid to go to sick call. Taking care of your body and your mind isn’t weakness, it’s responsibility. You’re allowed to be selfish about that.
Thank you, Brittany, for your service!
-Tiffany
“You can’t raise the bar without raising a little hell”- so let’s raise some hell, shall we ladies??
Cold Weather Clothing Drive
Our community has many homeless veterans in need of winter clothing. VFW Post 1215 is partnering with MACV (Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans) to host a clothing drive specifically for winter attire. Please drop off your donations in the designated boxes at VFW Post 1215, 2775 43rd St NW, in Rochester, MN.
Attention Members of VFW Post 1215
Members of VFW Post 1215 in Rochester will now be meeting on the third Tuesday of the month. The buffet will start at 5:30 pm and the meeting will begin at 6:00 pm. Please visit this link to view the calendar: https://vfw1215.org/events/
VA Cost of Living Adjustment
The VA disability compensation will see a 2.8% increase in 2026, effective from
December 1, 2025, with payments starting on January 1, 2026.
Key Details of the 2026 COLA Increase
- Percentage Increase: The Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026 is confirmed at 2.8%. This adjustment is designed to help veterans keep pace with inflation and rising living costs.
- Effective Date: The new rates will take effect on December 1, 2025, and veterans will start receiving the updated payments in their accounts on January 1, 2026.
- Who Benefits: All veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% or higher will automatically receive this COLA increase. This includes military retirees and surviving spouses receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
- Calculation of Payments: To estimate the new payment amount, veterans can multiply their current monthly payment by 1.028 (to account for the 2.8% increase). For example, if a veteran currently receives $3,831.30 at a 100% disability rating, the new payment would be approximately $3,938.58.
- Additional Considerations: Veterans with dependents may receive higher amounts, as the COLA increase also applies to additional allowances for spouses, children, and other dependents.
This COLA increase is crucial for maintaining the purchasing power of veterans’ benefits amid ongoing inflationary pressures. Veterans are encouraged to review their VA ratings and stay informed about their compensation to ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to.
Benefits Fraud
How Veterans Accidentally Commit Benefits Fraud
Without Realizing It
For most veterans, applying for Department of Veterans Affairs benefits is an exercise in navigating a dense and technical system rather than an attempt to exploit it. Yet veterans can – and sometimes do – find themselves accused of benefits fraud without any intent to deceive. In many cases, the problem is not criminal behavior but misunderstanding how VA benefits rules actually work.
Misreporting Information During Claims and Reexaminations
VA benefits programs rely heavily on self-reported information, particularly in disability compensation claims. Veterans are required to accurately report symptoms, functional limitations, and changes in their medical condition. Problems arise when veterans unintentionally omit relevant details or provide inconsistent accounts across different examinations or forms. According to the VA Office of Inspector General, discrepancies between a veteran’s statements and medical records or employment history are a common trigger for fraud referrals, even when there is no evidence of deliberate falsification. VA administrative investigation guidance specifically contemplates investigations to resolve situations where essential facts are disputed or evidence conflicts.
Failing to Report Changes in Income, Employment, or Dependency Status
Another frequent source of accidental fraud involves overpayments caused by failure to report changes in circumstances. Veterans receiving needs-based benefits, such as VA pension or certain housing allowances, must promptly report changes in income, employment, marital status, or dependents. The VA warns that failing to timely report changes that affect entitlement can lead to an overpayment and the creation of a debt. When VA later reviews whether that debt can be waived, VA regulations require consideration of whether the overpayment involved fraud, misrepresentation, or bad faith.
Relying on Unaccredited or Predatory Claims Assistance
Some veterans unknowingly place themselves at risk by relying on unaccredited claims consultants or “benefits coaches.” These third parties may charge illegal fees, submit unsupported claims, or encourage veterans to pursue diagnoses without medical evidence. While the VA prohibits most paid assistance outside accredited representatives, veterans are still legally responsible for the accuracy of submissions made on their behalf. VA has repeatedly warned that improper claims preparation by third parties can expose veterans to investigations or debt recovery actions, even when the veteran relied on bad advice in good faith.
Continuing Benefits After Returning to Work
Veterans receiving disability compensation – particularly those paid at the 100% rate through Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) – can unintentionally run into trouble when they return to work. TDIU is explicitly tied to a veteran’s inability to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment because of service-connected disabilities, and VA regulations require veterans receiving TDIU to report employment and earnings so the agency can determine whether continued eligibility exists. Failure to timely report work activity or income can trigger a VA review and, in some cases, allegations that a veteran misrepresented their ability to work.
This reporting requirement is often misunderstood because not all 100%-level benefits operate the same way. Statutory housebound benefits, paid under Special Monthly Compensation (SMC-S), are based on specific disability rating combinations rather than employability, meaning a veteran may qualify for housebound compensation even if they are able to work.
Because these programs rely on different legal standards, veterans transitioning back into civilian or part-time employment may reasonably, but incorrectly, assume that work activity does not affect their benefits. The distinction is set by statute and regulation, but it is not always intuitive to beneficiaries navigating the system on their own.
Intent Still Matters – But the Process Can Feel Punitive
Legally, fraud requires intent. However, veterans often experience investigations, benefit suspensions, or debt collection actions long before intent is resolved.
The Takeaway
Many cases labeled as “benefits fraud” begin as administrative discrepancies, not criminal schemes. Complex rules, unclear reporting obligations, and reliance on third parties make it easy for veterans to violate technical requirements without realizing it.
Karen’s Korner
Is there something you want to learn more about? If you have questions, more than likely, other veterans have the same questions.
We are always looking for new articles for this newsletter. If you have something you would like to know, or tell others about, please send me an email karen.applen@olmstedcounty.gov and I will do my best to assist you.
Veterans Appreciation Snowmobile Ride
The Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association and Minnesota Snowmobile Education and Advancement Fund will hold their 17th Annual Veterans Appreciation Snowmobile Ride on January 31, 2026 in Grand Rapids. The annual ride is provided as a token of appreciation to the veterans who have given part of their lives to serve all of us. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and lodging is provided to the attendees and snowmobiles are available to those that want to try snowmobiling but do not have one. Others are invited to come along and bring their own snowmobile. All veterans and active-duty military personnel are invited to attend this annual event. Over 140 veterans and their family members attended the ride in Grand Rapids in 2025. The 2026 registration form will be available on 12/1/2025 here: https://mseaf.org/
125 LIVE
Discover All That 125 LIVE Has to Offer!!
125 Live is a social and fitness facility for anyone 18 years and older. With 60,000 square feet, we provide various physical, social, and intellectual opportunities to engage our communities’ minds and bodies. Our fitness members have access to cutting-edge equipment with access to over 100 fitness classes, two swimming pools, and multiple pickleball courts. Our social members get to enjoy educational seminars, interest groups, a billiards room, a pottery studio and much more.
We offer special programs for our veteran’s, active-duty military, spouses, and partners including 10% membership discount and non $50 enrollment fee. To learn all that we have to offer, go to www.125livemn.org/schedules. We look forward to seeing you at 125 LIVE.
MDVA Health & Disability-Related Programs
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is responsible for administering and highlighting a number of health and disability-related programs for Minnesota Veterans and their families. These include benefits and services in the areas of disability claims, outreach, dental, optical, special needs, homelessness prevention, and health information on issues like depleted uranium and hepatitis c.
Please contact your local County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) for personal assistance and more information on these programs. Find your CVSO at www.macvso.org or by calling 1-888-LinkVet (546-5838) MDVA’s one-stop customer service line for all Minnesota Veterans and their families.
ID Cards at the Rochester VA Clinic
VA ID Cards may be obtained at the Rochester VA Clinic by appointment only on the following dates:
January 15, 2026
March 19, 2026
May 21, 2026
July 16, 2026
September 17, 2026
November 19, 2026
Please call the VA at 1-866-414-5058 to make an appointment in Rochester.
*The Minneapolis VA Medical Center issues ID cards daily.
Click HERE for more information on veteran ID cards.
Camp Bliss Events
2026 Camp Bliss Retreats for Veterans, Law Enforcement and People with Disabilities!
Located in the heart of northern Minnesota, Camp Bliss is a year-round, wheelchair-accessible retreat and private rental destination set on 48 acres of pine and hardwood forest. Surrounded by the peaceful waters of Long Lake, Lake 3, and Lake 4, our property offers a unique setting for vacations, weekend getaways, weddings, conferences, and special events.
With lodging options designed for all abilities, Camp Bliss is committed to creating inclusive experiences for everyone. Each private rental helps support our mission of providing low or no-cost retreats for Veterans and individuals with disabilities.
From canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the summer to snowshoeing and fireside relaxation in the winter, Camp Bliss invites you to slow down, explore the outdoors, and make lasting memories…and find your bliss!
- We will not be charging a registration fee for Veteran getaways for the next two years, we have secured funding from the MDVA. For non-qualifying Veterans there will
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