In 1886 Ohio Legislature passed an act establishing the Soldiers Relief Commission. In 1986, the Soldiers Relief Commission was renamed the Veterans Service Commission. Its role - to provide emergency relief and support services to veterans who served this country and to their family members and survivors.
The Veterans Service Commission is legislated by the State of Ohio under Ohio Revised Code 5901 however operating expenses are funded by each county's real estate taxes. Each of Ohio's 88 counties has a commission composed of five residents of the county appointed to five-year terms by a judge of the court of common pleas. Each member of the commission appointed is an honorably discharged or honorably separated veteran. One person is a representative recommended by the American Legion; one person is a representative recommended by the Veterans of Foreign Wars; one person is a representative recommended by the Disabled American Veterans; one person is a representative recommended by the AMVETS; and one person is a representative recommended by the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A., the Vietnam Veterans of America, or the Korean War Veterans Association.
While the Veterans Service Commission is not funded by, or associated with the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs, our Service Officers assist veterans and their families with VA claims.
Ohio is the only state that provides such comprehensive support and services to its honorably discharged veterans and their minor children, spouse, and widows who have met with unexpected hardship resulting from lack of employment, illness or injury.
Today
The VA health care system has grown from 54 hospitals in 1930, to include 171 medical centers. There are now more than 350 outpatient community and outreach clinics. There are 126 nursing home care units and 35 domiciliaries.
History of Veterans' Benefits - Additional External Web Sites
VA Fact Sheets
Veterans Benefit History
A Short History of Veteran's Benefits