Veterans' Services Office
Veterans' Services Officer: Keith MacNamara

The Veterans' Service Office assists veterans' and their dependents with submitting claims to the Veterans Administration for several benefit programs related to disability including Service Connected Disability Compensation, Non-Service Connected Pensions, Widows Pensions, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, burial benefits, medical benefits, home loans, vocational rehabilitation, clothing allowance, adapted equipment applications, and Home Improvement for Handicapped Adaptability and Remodeling. All benefits have qualification requirements and restrictions. No benefit is automatic, and you must apply for each benefit individually.

Veterans can obtain help in completing the necessary paperwork by contacting the county office at the number below to make an appointment. Contact can be made directly, on a limited basis, with veterans in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and in-home if the client is unable to travel or obtain transportation. Additionally, we conduct outreach to our offices located in Redmond, LaPine, and Sisters on a semi-monthly basis, please call the Bend office for times and dates.

This office has approximately 3700 clients and appointments are highly recommended to obtain the time and dedication each client deserves. Referrals are often made to other services including the state employment department, department of human services, and other local area agencies.

Assistance is provided in obtaining and compiling the necessary documents required by the federal veteran's administration to complete the claims filing process. Forms requested include military service and military medical records, Discharges and DD214's, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, birth certificates, civilian medical records, information on the receiving of medals, ribbons and commendations and any other information that may be required by the Veterans' Administration. In the event the claim is denied, this department also provides help with the appeals process.

Please be aware we are not federal VA employees, we are county employees and this service is provided to the veterans of Deschutes County, by Deschutes County free of charge.