About

Veterans of the United States Armed Forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the State of Iowa.

Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs

The nine-member Governor-appointed commission meets at least quarterly. Their duties include advising and making recommendations to the Iowa Department of VA (IDVA), the general assembly and the governor concerning issues that impact Veterans in the state, as well as supervising the commandment’s administration of the Iowa Veterans Home.

Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)

Duties include maintaining and disseminating information to Veterans and their dependents regarding available benefits, maintaining information concerning military service records, grave records and war bonuses, overseeing the operation of the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, and assisting and training County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO). Contact Information for IDVA 7105 NW 70th Avenue Camp Dodge, Building 3663 Johnston, IA 50131-1824; Phone: 515-242-5331 or Toll free: 800-838-4692; Fax: 515-242-5659

County Veteran Service Officers (CVSO)

All counties are required to maintain a VA office with staff trained to assist with applications for federal VA benefits, including compensation/pension, health care, etc. Many benefits and services are also available for survivors and dependents.  Some counties may have funds to assist with emergency living expenses. Please visit http://va.iowa.gov/counties/index.html

The Ida County Commission of Veteran AffairsEffective July 1, 2009 Senate File 2134 clarifies and broadens the scope of the County Commission of Veteran Affairs by mandating the following:

  • Each county shall establish a Veteran Affairs office
  • Each county shall employ an Executive Director/Administrator
  • Each county Director/Administrator and staff shall be trained by NACVSO
  • Each county office shall post hours open to the Veteran and the Public
  • Each county shall provide service work for the Veteran/Dependent

The Commission has a NACVSO trained Director and three commissioners administering the Commissions policy. The office is located on the basement floor of the Courthouse building at 401 Moorehead Street. The phone number is 712-364-4176. The office is open between 9:00 and 4:30 Monday through Wednesday. If any member of the public has any questions or concerns about Veteran benefits please do not hesitate to call.

There are approximately 700 veterans in Ida County. Included in this number are the Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force, National Guard, Reservists, Merchant Marines, and Coast Guard. All Honorably discharged Veterans/Dependents can apply to determine eligibility.