In my years as the Post Service Officer for both the American Legion and VFW, I have come to realize there is confusion over what I can do as the Post Service Officer to help file claims for the Veteran and what an accredited Veteran Service Officer (VSO) does.
The Veteran Service Officer goes through intensive training every year to stay current on the changes in VA policies and procedures.
Below are some of the main differences between the Post Service Officer and the Veteran Service Officer (VSO).
- The VSO offers advice and research to Veterans who wish to handle their own claims although for the life of me I can’t understand why they would do that.
- The VSO also assists Veterans who are filing claims for compensation and/or pension with the Department of Veterans Affairs and complete the required VA forms on behalf of the claimant.
- In reopening claims for service connected disabilities, follow up on status of claims, file Notices of Disagreement if the Veteran believes the decision made by the VA is incorrect.
- Assisting Veterans or surviving spouses in the preparation of appeals denial of claims and file the appeals.
- Answers research inquiries regarding medical, death/burial and other miscellaneous benefits.
The Post Service Officer (PSO) is a local advocate who assists Veterans and their loved ones in navigating a complicated benefits landscape. They are NOT accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs for the purpose of representing claimants in their benefits claims before the Veterans Administration.
Post Service Officers do not hold legal standing to represent claimants in their benefits claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs. The PSO may assist Veterans in understanding their benefits.
Look at me as a concierge service. I certainly don’t have all the answers but I can get you to the people that do. We are fortunate to have excellent Veteran Service Officers at both the American Legion and VFW offices. A VSO from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs is also available at the Aurora Vet Center.
