I’d like to introduce myself to Kiowa County. My name is Joy Johnson and I am the new Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for Kiowa County. I have been the VSO for Lincoln County since March, 2022. I help veterans navigate the complicated, bureaucracy of Veterans Affairs (VA). I can file address changes, disability compensation claims, pension claims, burial benefits and education benefits. I can also request records such as DD214s, service records or medical records from the military. My services are entirely free.

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To become a VSO, a person must be an honorably discharged veteran. I served in the Navy onboard the USS Samuel Gompers AD-37 for four years, 1982 - 1986. They must also take two initial classes passing a test for both to become accredited. I am accredited with Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs and National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. A VSO must complete 16 hours of continuing education a year. I attend all the training that is available to me. I’d be lying if I said I knew all there is to know. I don’t. If I don’t know the answer to your question, I will find out. I have submitted many claims; most were approved, some were not. I do not work for VA. I can’t predict how they will decide a claim. I can do my best to gather information and evidence to present your case.

In order to claim a disability condition, the condition must be able to be connected to your time in service. There must be proof of the cause of the condition while in the military. You must have a diagnosis by a medical provider or be willing to get one. For example, you jumped out of helicopters in the Army. Ten or twenty years after discharge, your back and knees hurt and you have a medical diagnosis. Mental health conditions can also be claimed. It’s misinformation that “they” will come take your guns. No one will take your guns. I can help you file a claim for disability. If you think you have something to claim but are not sure, please reach out.

We see a lot of commercials on tv and online about law firms or other companies promising to help veterans get money from VA for their disabilities. Please, please do not engage these companies. They charge you possibly thousands for filing your claim. They say they’ll get you a certain rating percentage but that rating is only determined by VA. Many times, a veteran ends up paying the company more than the compensation they get from VA. Law firms get a cut from your compensation right off the top. In the end, the veteran ends up with very little compensation. I don’t charge anything for my services.

I am in Eads on the fourth Monday of every month unless it’s a holiday. I’m located at the county courthouse, 1305 Goff Street. I am working out of the commissioner room in the basement. Remember I’m only a phone call or email away. Most business can be conducted via phone, email or even mail.

I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions; no question is too small. If you are confused about what to do, call me. If you wonder if you might have enough to file a claim, contact me. Please reach out at 719 892 4800 or kiowaco.vso@gmail.com. My Facebook page is Kiowa County Veterans.