Chaffee County Veteran Service Officer

Chaffee County Veteran Service Officer Chaffee County Veteran Service Officer - Ashley Ottmer

📢 Veteran Service Office Schedule UpdatePlease note that I will be attending a virtual conference this week and may have...
06/01/2026

📢 Veteran Service Office Schedule Update

Please note that I will be attending a virtual conference this week and may have limited availability during conference sessions. I will continue checking messages and returning calls as time allows between sessions.

Additionally, I will be on vacation next week and will be out of the office through June 14th. Regular services and call returns will resume on June 15th.

☎️ If you call and reach voicemail, please leave only ONE message with your name, phone number, and a brief description of your needs. This helps ensure there is enough voicemail space available for all veterans and family members seeking assistance.

🚨 If you are experiencing a crisis or need immediate assistance, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, or by texting 838255.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. I look forward to serving you when I return.

— Ashley Ottmer
Veteran Service Officer

The Chaffee County Veteran Service Office sends its deepest condolences to the family of Ray! It was a pleasure and priv...
05/29/2026

The Chaffee County Veteran Service Office sends its deepest condolences to the family of Ray! It was a pleasure and privilege to serve you, Ray. I am terribly saddened to hear of your passing and very grateful for the time we got together. Rest easy my friend ❤️🤍💙

Your VA Rating Decision Letter is more than just a denial or grant — it’s a roadmap for your next steps.When reviewing y...
05/27/2026

Your VA Rating Decision Letter is more than just a denial or grant — it’s a roadmap for your next steps.

When reviewing your decision letter, pay close attention to:
• The specific reasons for denial
• Favorable findings the VA already conceded
• Errors or contradictions in the evidence reviewed
• Missing records, exams, or overlooked symptoms

These details can help you build a much stronger appeal strategy instead of starting from scratch. Sometimes the VA tells you exactly what evidence is needed — you just have to know where to look.

Before filing an appeal, take the time to carefully review your decision letter or schedule an appointment with me to review it and build that appeal. #719-239-4678

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our count...
05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

In honor of those we've lost, our office will be closed today!

For the veterans still with us, don't sacrifice the benefits you earned. If you have questions about VA benefits, healthcare, compensation, pension, or survivor benefits, your Veteran Service Officer is here to help you access those benefits.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out or stop by. #719-239-4678

Just in case you don't get the newspaper! ❤️🤍💙
05/14/2026

Just in case you don't get the newspaper! ❤️🤍💙

One of the biggest misconceptions I see in the veteran community is the idea that a 100% VA disability rating is the “go...
05/13/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions I see in the veteran community is the idea that a 100% VA disability rating is the “goal” — or that ratings should somehow be compared like a competition.

A VA disability rating is not a reward for “doing more,” deploying more, or having the tougher MOS. It is based on how service-connected conditions currently affect a veteran’s body, mind, and ability to function according to VA law and medical evidence.

That means:

- A combat veteran may have a lower rating than someone who never deployed.
- A veteran who “looks fine” may still struggle daily.
- Two veterans with the same condition can receive different ratings because symptoms and severity are different.

Saying “I did more than my buddy, so there’s no way he should be rated higher” misunderstands how the VA system works.

The reality is this:
Most veterans would gladly trade their disability compensation to have their health, sleep, mobility, peace of mind, or quality of life back.

A 100% rating often represents significant physical limitations, chronic pain, severe mental health struggles, inability to maintain employment, or major impacts on everyday life. It is not a trophy.

As veterans, we should focus less on comparing ratings and more on supporting one another, encouraging honesty in claims, and helping fellow veterans get the benefits they are legally entitled to — no more and no less.

If you served and have the in-service stressor and diagnosis, you deserve the appropriate compensation!

Different service. Different bodies. Different outcomes. Same mission: Take Care of Each Other.

One of the biggest misunderstandings veterans have when filing a VA disability claim is believing that the C&P exam is w...
05/12/2026

One of the biggest misunderstandings veterans have when filing a VA disability claim is believing that the C&P exam is where they will finally receive their diagnosis.

In reality, the Compensation & Pension (C&P) examination is generally NOT intended to diagnose new conditions. Its primary purpose is to:

✔ Confirm an existing diagnosis
✔ Determine whether there is an in-service event, injury, or stressor connected to the condition
✔ Evaluate the severity and functional impact the condition has on your daily life, work, and social functioning

This is why having proper medical documentation and a formal diagnosis BEFORE filing can make a major difference in the strength of your claim.

Without a diagnosis in your records, the examiner may simply state there is “no diagnosis found,” even if symptoms are present. That can lead to delays, denials, or the need for additional evidence later on.

Before attending your C&P exam, veterans should make sure they have:

• Current medical records
• A confirmed diagnosis whenever possible
• Documentation of symptoms and functional limitations
• Evidence connecting the condition to service

The C&P exam is an important part of the process — but it is not meant to replace ongoing medical treatment or establish care.

If you have questions about preparing your claim or understanding the evidence needed, reach out to schedule an appointment 719-239-4678!

Join us May 16th at the Salida Community Center for a community BBQ, honoring those who serve on Armed Forces Day! All d...
05/07/2026

Join us May 16th at the Salida Community Center for a community BBQ, honoring those who serve on Armed Forces Day!

All donation proceeds will go toward 4th of July festivities!

I want to clear up something I hear all the time:“I don’t want to take away from another veteran who needs it more.”That...
05/05/2026

I want to clear up something I hear all the time:

“I don’t want to take away from another veteran who needs it more.”

That’s not how VA benefits work.

The benefits you earned through your service are yours. There isn’t a limited pot that runs out if you apply. By reaching out, you are not taking anything away from anyone else—you’re simply accessing what you’ve already earned.

And here’s the other thing…

It does not matter:
✔️ How long you served
✔️ When you served
✔️ Whether you think you’ll qualify

It is ALWAYS worth having the conversation.

As your County Veteran Service Officer, I’m here to help with:
• VA disability claims (new or increases)
• VA healthcare enrollment
• Survivor & dependent benefits
• Pension programs
• Transportation resources
• Local, state, and federal support programs

We live in a rural area, and right now only about 35% of our veteran population is connected to services. That means a lot of our neighbors are potentially going without support they’ve earned.

If that’s you—or someone you know—please reach out.

📞 719-239-4678
📧 [email protected]
📍 448 E 1st Street Room 134 Salida, CO 81201

Even if you’re unsure, that’s okay. That’s exactly why I’m here.

You served your country. Let us serve you.

And if you know a veteran who might need this, please share this post—we want to reach everyone we can.

Join us for a two day event celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America! Festivities start at 2pm ...
05/05/2026

Join us for a two day event celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America!

Festivities start at 2pm and conclude with an awesome drone show after dark! There will be food and fun for the whole family!

Donations are still needed to make these amazing events happen! Follow the QR code on the flyer or you can mail donations to the American Legion Post #64 in Salida or the Sons of American Legion Post #55 in BV.

We hope to see you there!!

Address

448 E. 1st Street Room 134
Salida, CO
81201

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm

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