By FRANK LEWIS
PDT Staff Writer

According to the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, and Gov. Ted Strickland, at $28,724,000 in 2007, Scioto County ranks first in the district for total Veterans Administration funds coming in.

"We file for benefits such as pension/compensation, home loans, the certificate of eligibility, education benefits," said Candy Tuller, Scioto County Veterans Service Officer. "That amount of money is what is actually coming in as far as those benefits. People are receiving that amount in this county."

The figures are collected from each county veteran's office in the state and compiled into a yearly expenditures report.

"We're proud of what we do here," Tuller said. "Filing for benefits for veterans, and that's what we wanted to show.

"Were not just an office that is being funded by the county. We're actually doing something that is bringing money into the county."

Tuller told the Portsmouth Daily Times in July the Scioto County Veterans Service Office functions not only to assist veterans with temporary emergency needs, but also in assisting veterans and their dependents in filing for VA benefits. These benefits include but are not limited to: VA Pension, Compensation for service connected Disabilities, Education Benefits, VA Insurance, Widow's Death Pension, DIC, ChampVA and any other benefit the veteran/dependent may be eligible for.

In addition to filing for VA benefits, the Scioto County Veterans Office also provides transportation to and from VA Medical Centers for VA appointments.

Tuller said any veteran may call the Scioto County Veterans Office to find out what their benefits may be. Their number is (740) 353-1477.