News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
With changes taking place due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), Upper Cumberland veterans are struggling to access services.
Putnam County Veteran Service Officer Mark Harris said that medical service is difficult due to procedure changes in the outpatient clinic.
“They changed the process of how they did it about two weeks ago,” Harris said. “They would basically limit the number of veterans inside.”
Harris said his office is trying to limit exposure to veterans by assisting them remotely.
“Right now, we’re not seeing individuals in person,” Harris said. “We’re doing it by phone call and then through mail and faxes in trying to help in continuing to work claims for them. We can look in the VA database. We can still talk with the VA. They have people who are working from home we’re able to contact and provide information.”
Harris said despite the difficulties, the veteran community is doing well.
“They’re following the precautions,” Harris said. “The ones I’ve spoke with and reached out to and followed up on are staying home. They’re taking those extra steps for precautions.”
Harris said he wants veterans to know that the Veterans County Service Office is still open to help them with their benefits during the COVID-19 quarantine.
“The VA is still open and working benefits and claims,” Harris said. “It’s slowed down because they have precautions they have to take, and some of the claims are taking a little longer now because of that, but they’re still working it, and we’re still working to help veterans to file claims and answer questions for them.”
The Putnam County Veterans Service Office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m Monday through Friday.
