Find free help with your VA claim
An accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can help you file a VA claim, gather evidence and appeal a decision. Their help is free. Our books and guides are written to get you ready for that meeting, not to replace it.
Where to find one
- VA's search tool. Look up accredited representatives near you at va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative.
- Your county or state veterans service office. Most states and many counties have one.
- Veterans service organizations. Groups such as DAV, The American Legion and VFW have accredited representatives who help for free.
Before you sign anything
- Check that the person is accredited. The VA search tool above lists every accredited representative, claims agent and attorney. Only a VA-accredited representative, claims agent or attorney may act for you in preparing, presenting or pursuing a VA claim (38 U.S.C. 5901).
- No fee before VA's first decision. Under federal law, no one may charge you for help with a claim before VA makes its initial decision on it (38 U.S.C. 5904(c)(1)). After that, only accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge, and VA limits those fees (38 C.F.R. 14.636). An accredited VSO never charges you at all.
- Watch for claim sharks. Be careful with anyone who calls themselves a "VA consultant" or "claim coach," asks for money up front, wants a cut of your back pay, or promises a rating.
- Report it. If someone charged you an illegal fee or pressured you, call the VA Office of Inspector General hotline at 1-800-488-8244.
In crisis? Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255. Free, confidential, 24/7.