Scott County Veterans Office addresses transportation challenges for local veterans

The Scott County Veterans Office continues to tackle transportation challenges faced by local veterans seeking medical care. While resources are available, the office has identified gaps in utilization and seeks to improve outreach and communication to ensure veterans receive the support they need.

Transportation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is available for veterans under specific conditions.

• Eligibility: Veterans must have a VA-approved medical appointment, such as those scheduled through community care.

• Medical Justification: Transportation is offered to veterans who physically cannot drive themselves, not for convenience.

Veterans requiring transportation must contact the office with at least 7 to 14 days of advance notice. This allows time for scheduling and securing arrangements, espicially as the office works to establish a new Disabled American Veterans (DAV) vehicle service.

However, the office emphasized that the DAV vehicle has limitations:

• It can only transport the veteran, not accompanying family members or caregivers.

• It is not equipped for wheelchair transport.

The office has taken steps to address the transportation issue, including securing part-time funding for a new position to manage and improve transportation services. Once the proposal receives final approval from county leaders, the office expects to see progress in coordination and outreach.

Additionally, the office is exploring the potential for the county to invest in its own transportation system, which could overcome current limitations. This would involve purchasing a specialized vehicle and covering costs such as fuel, insurance, and maintenance.

Despite concerns about a lack of transportation for veterans, the office has not received direct requests. Calls to the office are logged daily, and a drop box is available for appointment and service requests. “We haven't had a single phone call or message about transportation recently,” the office noted.

For more information or to request transportation assistance veterans are encouraged to call (812) 752-8477, email denise.vaugh@scottcounty.in.gov, or visit the office during walk-in hours on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1471 N. Gardner in Scottsburg.