Find Free Claims Help — Veterans Service Organizations
Every veteran should use a VSO. They're free, experienced, and accredited by the VA.
Why Use a VSO?
- ✅ VSOs are FREE — they don't charge for claims assistance
- ✅ They're VA-accredited — trained to navigate the system
- ✅ They can access your VA file directly
- ✅ They've helped millions of veterans get higher ratings
- ✅ You can switch VSOs at any time
- ✅ You don't lose any benefits by using one
Use a VSO first. Always.
Free accredited help beats expensive claim companies in almost every situation.
| Feature | VSO (Free) | Paid Claim Company |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | $3,000-$6,000+ |
| Accreditation | VA-accredited | Varies (many are NOT accredited) |
| File access | Can access your VA file | Cannot access your VA file |
| Experience | Decades of institutional knowledge | Varies widely |
| Legal representation | Can represent you in appeals | Cannot represent you (only attorneys can) |
| Accountability | Regulated by VA | Mostly unregulated |
| Bottom line | Use a VSO first. Always. | Only consider after exhausting free options |
VSO Directory
AMVETS
AMVETS serves all veterans who have served since World War II. They provide claims assistance, career development, and community service pro...
American Legion
The largest wartime veterans organization with nearly 12,000 posts. The American Legion provides free claims assistance, youth programs, and...
Disabled American Veterans
One of the largest VSOs with over 1 million members. DAV provides free claims assistance through National Service Officers (NSOs) who are tr...
Military Order of the Purple Heart
Exclusively for Purple Heart recipients. Provides claims assistance, legislative advocacy, and support for combat-wounded veterans.
National Veterans Legal Services Program
A nonprofit that provides free legal services to veterans. Specializes in complex appeals, Board Appeals, and Court of Appeals for Veterans ...
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Specializes in helping veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders. PVA provides expert claims assistance for severe disabilities, acce...
State VSOs / County VSOs
Every state has its own Veterans Affairs department with county-level Veterans Service Officers. These are often the most accessible — many ...
Veterans of Foreign Wars
VFW has over 6,000 posts worldwide and provides free claims assistance through accredited service officers. They specialize in helping comba...
Veterans of Modern Warfare
Newer VSO focused on post-9/11 veterans. Provides claims assistance and advocacy for modern veterans' issues including burn pit exposure and...
Vietnam Veterans of America
Dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans. Provides claims assistance particularly for Agent Orange-related claims, PTSD, and other Vietnam-era cond...
Wounded Warrior Project
Focused on post-9/11 veterans. WWP provides free claims assistance through a team of accredited National Service Officers, plus mental healt...
VA Accredited Attorneys
VA-accredited attorneys specialize in veterans disability law. Unlike VSOs, attorneys typically charge a fee — usually 20-33% of back pay if...
How to Choose a VSO
- Start with your county VSO — Walk into your local county courthouse or Veterans Affairs office. They're the most accessible and know your state's benefits.
- Consider the big three (DAV, VFW, American Legion) — They have the most offices, the most experience, and the most resources.
-
Match to your situation:
- Post-9/11 veteran? → WWP or VMW specialize in modern veteran issues
- Vietnam veteran? → VVA specializes in Agent Orange and Vietnam-era claims
- Purple Heart recipient? → MOPH is exclusively for you
- Spinal cord injury? → PVA is the expert
- Complex appeal or Board case? → Consider NVLSP or a VA-accredited attorney
- You can have BOTH — You can use a VSO for your initial claim AND hire an attorney for an appeal. They serve different roles.