How to get free help from a VSO

VSOs work for county or state veterans offices, or for groups like the American Legion, VFW, DAV and others. To help with VA claims, they must be accredited by VA.

Before you share your file, look the person or group up on VA's accreditation search (VA Office of General Counsel). It lists accredited VSO representatives, attorneys and claims agents. If someone isn't listed, don't let them handle your claim. You can also use VA.gov's "find a VA accredited representative" tool.

Start with your county veterans service office. Most counties have one. Find your county office. Many national groups also have offices at VA regional offices and hospitals, and some help by phone or video.

To let a VSO act for you with VA, you sign VA Form 21-22 (for a VSO organization). For an individual attorney or claims agent it's VA Form 21-22a. You can do this online on VA.gov or on paper. You can change or cancel it any time.

• Charge you to file a first claim. Accredited VSOs are always free.
• Ask for your VA.gov or ID.me password.
• Promise a rating, or "guarantee" a result.
• Ask you to sign a contract for a share of your back pay before you're even denied. Companies that do these things are sometimes called claim sharks. Accredited attorneys and agents may charge, but only after VA has made a decision and only under VA's rules.

• Bring your DD-214, any decision letters and your list of conditions.
• Bring your Claim Navigator progress and documents.
• Ask them to explain anything you don't follow. It's your claim.
• Ask how they'll keep you updated.

You can choose a different VSO at any time by signing a new form. It's okay to ask for someone else.