VSO / Additional Help

What a VSO is

A Veteran Service Organization (VSO) is a nonprofit that provides free, accredited assistance to veterans filing VA claims. VSO representatives are trained and accredited by VA to represent veterans in claims — the same way a lawyer represents a client — at no cost to you. It is illegal under federal law for anyone to charge you to file a VA disability claim. VSO help is always free.

What a VSO representative can do for you

• Review your claim before you file and identify missing evidence
• Help you write your personal statement and gather buddy statements
• Request your service records and medical records on your behalf
• Represent you in a Higher-Level Review or Board of Veterans' Appeals
• Explain your decision letter and advise you on next steps
• Connect you with other VA benefits you may not know about — education, housing, healthcare, and more

The major national VSOs

• DAV (Disabled American Veterans) — Specializes in disability claims. One of the largest VSOs in the country. dav.org
• VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) — Open to combat veterans. Posts in nearly every county. vfw.org
• American Legion — The largest veterans service organization in the US. Broad services and local posts nationwide. legion.org
• AMVETS (American Veterans) — Open to all who served honorably, regardless of combat service. amvets.org
• PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of America) — Specializes in spinal cord injury and disease claims. pva.org
• Vietnam Veterans of America — Strong advocacy for PTSD, Agent Orange, and Hepatitis C claims. vva.org
• MOPH (Military Order of the Purple Heart) — Serves Purple Heart recipients and advocates for all veterans. purpleheart.org

How to find a VSO rep near you

• Search VA's official accredited VSO directory: va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp
• Contact your nearest VA Regional Office — they maintain a list of VSOs working in your area
• Check the national VSO's website for a local chapter finder
• Many states have a State Department of Veterans Affairs with their own claims representatives — search "[your state] department of veterans affairs"

VSO vs. VA-accredited claims agent vs. attorney

• VSO representative — Free. Accredited. Best for initial claims, appeals, and veterans who want help navigating VA.
• VA-accredited claims agent — May charge a fee, but only after a favorable decision and only for appeal work. Good for complex multi-condition appeals.
• VA-accredited attorney — May charge a contingency fee (up to 33% of back pay) for appeal work. Best for Board of Veterans' Appeals cases, especially those going to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
• Unaccredited "helpers" who charge upfront fees — Illegal. Never pay anyone to file your initial disability claim.