SAULT STE. MARIE — During the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30, 2003, veterans and their families in Chippewa County received $8.2 million from the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to a press release. Benefits in the form of disability compensation, pension, education, insurance and indemnities were paid directly to many of the county's 4,666 veterans.
“This influx of money into the Chippewa County economy was a significant portion of the more than $1 billion that VA expended to serve the 845,833 veterans living throughout the state of Michigan,” Keith J. Thompson said. Thompson is the director of the VA Regional office in Detroit, where benefit payments for Michigan are administered.
“Over half of all VA expenditures, more than $500,000, are paid directly to veterans and their families each year,” he added. “The rest is used to support VA medical services provided at Michigan's five VA medical centers, two outpatient clinics, and the numerous community based outpatient clinics located throughout the state.”
“If you believe your service-connected condition has gotten worse or you simply have a question about your VA benefits, be sure to get in contact with the VA Regional Office,” Thompson reminded veterans. Call the Chippewa County veterans representative at 906-635-6310 or call VA direct at its toll free number, 1-800-827-1000.
