Your Friendly Neighborhood VSO

By Pete Scherer

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a treasure trove of benefits and resources. Unfortunately, like most government systems, navigating it can make the average veteran feel like a job in itself. The websites can be dense, the policy language can be heavy, and knowing where to even start isn’t always obvious.

Enter the Veteran Service Officer.

VSOs are trained advocates who help veterans cut through the bureaucratic confusion — for free. And that’s not just a selling point; it’s the law.

“VSOs cannot charge for their services,” says retired Sergeant Major E.G. Mais, the VSO for VFW Post [8541. “To do so would be against the law.”

Mais adds that whether you’re filing a claim for the first time or trying to make sense of a decision letter, your VSO is there to guide you through it.

How can a VSO help a veteran in family?

One of the most common areas where VSOs make a difference is medical claims. The VA has its own systems, timelines, and terminology. It can be a lot to take on alone.

“The service officer will guide you through the process so you’re not overwhelmed by the bureaucracy,” says Randall Remauler, Commander of American Legion Post 592.

VSOs can also help you understand and potentially upgrade your disability rating. Injuries from military service don’t always show up in obvious ways. A knee injury, for example, can lead to sleep problems, and eventually a sleep apnea diagnosis. These downstream conditions are known as secondary conditions, and they’re easy to miss if you don’t know what to look for within the VA’s guidelines.

How Do You Find a VSO?

Accredited VSOs can be found through organizations like the VFW, American Legion, VFW, and Amvets, as well as your county courthouse. You can also search for your nearest VSO directly through the VA website. (Note: you’ll need to create an account to do so.)

Your benefits are there. A VSO helps make sure you actually get them.

Your local VSO can help you navigate the VA and access benefits, but there are other groups that can offer assistance. Do you need to print documents or need technical assistance? In this next article we explore how your public library can help.