Veterans Service Organizations

You can always file a claim online with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, you should also consider the range of free services from your county Veterans Service Organization (VSO). They are trained and certified to interview you and find all of what you and your family have earned through your service, even if you served in peacetime and never left the states. They file your claim for you, using the key phrases the VA looks for to approve (or deny) your claim. Most VSOs will know of additional services available from your local government and nonprofits.

If you don’t have a county-run VSO close to you, search for Accredited VSOs such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and others. When you find an organization you like, get in touch to see if they have services in your area.