Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to helping the county’s veterans and their families obtain veteran’s benefits from federal, state and local agencies. The department is the oldest veterans’ service office in California and one of the oldest in the nation. VA is the initial point of contact for veterans who seek benefits earned through their military service. Staff work diligently for veterans and their families to secure a variety of benefits, such as disability compensation claims, VA pension for wartime veterans, and college tuition/fee waivers.

Accomplishments:
VA is committed to providing excellent customer service by reducing lobby wait times and responding to current needs.

• 92% of all visitors to the San Bernardino office were served within an hour of arrival improving from 84% last year. The Hesperia office continues to have the shortest wait time, with 99% of all visitors seen within one hour.
• VA worked with other County departments, the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino, VA Loma Linda Healthcare System and non-profit organizations to place 1,123 homeless veterans into permanent supportive housing.

Goals:

• Continue to emphasize high standards of customer service promoting the health, well-being and quality of life for all county veterans.
• Promote training and development to maintain staff’s United States Department of Veterans Affairs accreditation.

Frank Guevara
Director, Department of Veterans Affairs