Pine County Veteran Services

05/28/2026

🚗 DRIVERS WANTED!!!! 🇺🇸

The Veterans Council of Pine County and Pine County Veterans Services are looking for volunteer drivers to help our local Veterans get to their VA medical appointments.

We provide rides to:
Minneapolis VA Medical Center – Even days
Twin Ports VA Clinic – Mondays
St. Cloud VA Medical Center – Tuesdays

💵 A stipend is available for drivers, provided by the Veterans Council of Pine County.

📞 If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver please contact Jamie Nelson with Pine County Veterans Services at 320-216-4250.

🙏 Help us serve those who served.

05/26/2026

05/21/2026

Military-connected youth age 6 through 12 are invited to the free youth baseball clinic hosted by the Minnesota Twins at the Camp Ripley baseball fields from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. July 12.

The Minnesota Twins is a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization. Participants can sharpen their skills and enjoy the game of baseball in a fun, supportive environment while connecting with other military-conected youth. This clinic is designed for all skill levels. Registration is now open. Use the QR code on the flyer or go to https://www.tickettailor.com/.../minnesotanationa.../1795107

05/19/2026

With 4th of July Parades just around the corner please remember these rules. Thank you!

05/15/2026

This Saturday!!

05/12/2026

Bonus Pine County Veteran Connection

The PACT Act have expanded locations and dates where Agent Orange exposure is now conceded. If you served in any of the locations/dates below, you may be eligible for VA benefits related to Agent Orange exposure.

Conceded locations & dates:

Vietnam: Jan 9, 1962 – May 7, 1975
Blue Water Navy (off Vietnam): Jan 9, 1962 – May 7, 1975
C-123 Aircraft: (service on aircraft exposures recognized)
Korean DMZ: Jan 9, 1962 – May 7, 1975
Thailand: Jan 9, 1962 – June 30, 1976
Laos: Dec 1, 1965 – Sept 30, 1969
Cambodia*: Apr 16, 1969 – Apr 30, 1969
Guam & American Samoa: Jan 9, 1969 – Jul 31, 1980
Johnston Atoll: Jan 1, 1972 – Sept 30, 1977

If you believe you served in one of these areas during the listed dates, contact Pine County Veteran Services Office for assistance with VA claims, evidence gathering, or questions about eligibility. We’re here to help.

Call us at 320-216-4250 to schedule an appointment with Mindy or Jamie.

05/05/2026

Pine County Veteran Connection #11

What makes a VA aggravation claim?

A VA aggravation claim is for a disability that isn’t directly caused by service, but is aggravated by a service‑connected condition.

04/28/2026

Pine County Veteran Connection #10

What makes a VA secondary claim?

A VA secondary claim is for a disability that isn’t directly caused by service, but is caused by a service‑connected condition.

04/28/2026

A great opportunity for any and all Minnesota Veterans!

04/21/2026

Pine County Veteran Connection #9

We’re wrapping up our series on Direct Service Connection this week with the final piece: the nexus statement.

This is the link—the medical connection—between your current diagnosis and your in-service event, injury, or illness.

Here’s why it matters:

✔️ A nexus statement is typically provided by a qualified medical professional
✔️ It explains how your condition is “at least as likely as not” caused by or related to your service
✔️ It connects the dots between Element 1 (in-service event) and Element 3 (current diagnosis)
✔️ Without it, your claim may be denied—even if the other elements are present

💡 Tip: A strong, well-reasoned nexus letter that includes medical rationale can make all the difference in your claim.

Direct service connection comes down to three key elements:
1️⃣ In-service event, injury, or disease
2️⃣ Current diagnosis
3️⃣ Nexus (the connection between the two)

Next up: we’ll start breaking down other types of service connection—stay tuned!