2024 VSO Excellence Award Winner: Eric Sanders

Tyler’s VSO Excellence Awards recognizes the outstanding work veterans service officers (VSOs) provide to those who have served in our nation’s armed forces. Eric Sanders, the County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO) for Muscatine County, Iowa, shines bright in the land of veteran advocacy. His tireless dedication has had a significant impact on the veteran community and has earned him Tyler Technologies’ 2024 VSO Excellence Award for All-Star Community Advocate.

Since stepping into his role, Eric has quickly become a pivotal force in legislative reform and community engagement across Iowa. In just his first two years as Muscatine County VSO, he spearheaded an impressive 30% increase in payable benefits and awards from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), translating to an over $300,000 per month increase for Muscatine County veterans. This noteworthy achievement speaks volumes about his expertise and commitment.

Navigating Complexity with Technology and Tenacity

The passage of the PACT Act in August 2022 presented a significant challenge for VSOs nationwide, bringing a surge in claims. Eric, however, was prepared. Utilizing Tyler’s VetraSpec application, he seamlessly managed the increased workload, ensuring accurate and timely submissions. Tyler’s software empowered him to maintain precise documentation of follow-ups and appeals, transforming a potentially overwhelming scenario into a streamlined, efficient process. This allowed him to manage his extensive workload without the need for additional staff, a feat many other counties couldn’t accomplish.

Championing Legislative Change for Vietnam Veterans

Eric's dedication extends beyond individual claims. He identified a troubling trend: Vietnam Veterans were being denied crucial monetary benefits due to inaccurate death certificates related to Agent Orange exposure. Iowa law restricted changes to these certificates within 90 days of death, creating a significant barrier.

Demonstrating incredible foresight, Eric proactively reached out to surviving spouses and collaborated with State Senator Mark Lofgren. Their partnership led to the creation of Senate File 2430, a groundbreaking piece of legislation allowing up to one year for death certificate amendments. This bill passed unanimously in both the Iowa House and Senate, culminating in its signing by Governor Kim Reynolds on May 8, 2024, with Eric and affected survivors present. This legislative triumph underscores his profound commitment to veterans and their families.

A True Leader in Veteran Advocacy

Eric Sanders truly embodies the spirit of veteran advocacy. He is a highly sought-after consultant and speaker, sharing his expertise with organizations like John Deere Worldwide Headquarters to raise awareness of veterans’ issues. His work is regularly featured in local and regional media outlets, enhancing public understanding of the challenges veterans face. His expertise in high-value VA disability claims, complex appeals, and Board for Correction of Military Records (BCMR) cases further highlights his extensive knowledge and unwavering commitment.

Join us in congratulating Eric Sanders for his outstanding efforts as an advocate for our veterans. His dedication to improving their lives and the lives of their families is an inspiration to us all.

Interested in how this technology can improve your agency’s delivery of veteran services? Learn more about Tyler’s Veterans’ Benefits and the full suite of Workforce Case Management solutions at tylertech.com/veteransbenefits.