50:03:02:01.  Definitions. Terms defined in SDCL 33A-2-1 have the same meaning when used in this chapter. In addition, dependents include an unremarried spouse, unmarried children under 18 years of age or to their 23rd birthday if attending a full-time course of instruction at an accredited school, and dependent parents of a veteran who died while in the military service or as a result of service connected illness or injury.

          Source: 2 SDR 4, effective July 27, 1975; 12 SDR 151, 12 SDR 154, effective July 1, 1986; 38 SDR 58, effective October 19, 2011.

          General Authority: SDCL 33A-1-8.

          Law Implemented: SDCL 33A-1-8.

          50:03:02:02.  Personnel utilization. The secretary shall establish representation at the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The secretary may, within budgetary limitations, assign employees to handle claims for veterans' organizations with the consent of such organizations.

          Source: 2 SDR 4, effective July 27, 1975; 12 SDR 151, 12 SDR 154, effective July 1, 1986; 38 SDR 58, effective October 19, 2011.

          General Authority: SDCL 33A-1-8.

          Law Implemented: SDCL 33A-1-8, 33A-1-13.

          50:03:02:03.  Representation of veterans by department employees. Employees of the S. D. Department of Veterans' Affairs accredited with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs shall act as agents of any veteran of the state or any eligible dependent or survivor having a claim against the United States arising from military service. Veterans' services field representatives shall conduct continuous training of county veterans' service officers. Veterans' services field representatives may certify eligibility requirements for claims against the state for burial benefits and headstone placements.

          Source: 2 SDR 4, effective July 27, 1975; 12 SDR 151, 12 SDR 154, effective July 1, 1986; 38 SDR 58, effective October 19, 2011.

          General Authority: SDCL 33A-1-8.

          Law Implemented: SDCL 33A-1-13, 33A-1-15, 33A-1-16,  33A-2-4, 33A-5-2, 33A-5-4.

          50:03:03:01.  Basic salary schedule to be met for state aid -- Exception. A county shall pay the basic salary schedule set forth in SDCL 33A-1-32 to qualify for reimbursement of the salary supplement set forth in SDCL 33A-1-31. A county that pays at least 80 percent of the schedule to a county veterans' service officer during the officer's initial appointment qualifies for reimbursement. The basic salary schedule may be exceeded.

          Source: 5 SDR 43, effective December 7, 1978; 12 SDR 151, 12 SDR 154, effective July 1, 1986; 38 SDR 58, effective October 19, 2011.

          General Authority: 33A-1-31.

          Law Implemented: 33A-1-28, 33A-1-29, 33A-1-31, 33A-1-32.

          50:03:03:02.  Work directly related to veterans' affairs required for state aid. To qualify for state aid for salaries, county veterans' service officers must be employed on work directly related to veterans' affairs.

          Source: 5 SDR 43, effective December 7, 1978; 12 SDR 151, 12 SDR 154, effective July 1, 1986; 38 SDR 58, effective October 19, 2011.

          General Authority: 33A-1-31.

          Law Implemented: 33A-1-22, 33A-1-23, 33A-1-28, 33A-1-31.