Veterans Service Organizations
A VSO representative can help you file VA claims, navigate benefits, and fight for what you earned — completely free of charge. You do not need to be a member to get help.
What Is a VSO?
A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) is an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assist veterans, service members, and their families with VA benefits and claims. Many VSOs are congressionally chartered under federal law.
VSOs employ accredited representatives — individuals certified by VA's Office of General Counsel who have demonstrated knowledge of VA law and claims procedures. These representatives can communicate directly with VA on your behalf and access your case information.
The VA recognizes three types of accredited representatives:
- ●VSO Representatives — Employed or volunteering with a recognized VSO. Services are always free.
- ●Accredited Attorneys — State bar members who may charge fees after an initial VA decision.
- ●Accredited Claims Agents — Pass a written VA law exam. May charge fees after an initial VA decision.
Why Use a VSO?
Always Free
VSO representatives never charge for claims assistance. Attorneys and claims agents may charge fees, but VSO reps cannot.
No Membership Required
You do not need to be a member of the organization to receive their free claims help.
Trained Expertise
VSO reps are accredited by VA's Office of General Counsel, with demonstrated knowledge of VA law and procedures.
Direct VA Access
Accredited representatives can communicate directly with VA on your behalf and access certain case information.
Better Outcomes
Veterans who use accredited representation generally receive better outcomes on claims than those who file alone.
Full Appeals Support
If a claim is denied, a VSO can help navigate Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Reviews, and Board Appeals.
How to Find & Appoint a VSO
- 1Search for a representative using the VA Accredited Representative Finder. Search by location, organization name, or representative name.
- 2Contact the VSO directly to confirm availability and ask which organization name to use on your appointment form.
- 3Complete VA Form 21-22 to appoint a VSO (or VA Form 21-22a for attorneys/claims agents). Submit via VA.gov, mail to the Claims Intake Center in Janesville, WI, or in person at a VA regional office.
- 4You can change representatives at any time for any reason by calling VA at 800-827-1000.
Tip: You can also find VSO representatives stationed at your local VA Regional Benefit Office. Walk-in appointments are often available.
What Services Do VSOs Provide?
Claims Assistance (Free)
- Help understanding and applying for VA benefits (disability, education, healthcare, home loans, pension, burial)
- Gathering evidence and medical records to support your claim
- Filing initial claims and Fully Developed Claims (FDC)
- Filing appeals: Supplemental Claims, Higher-Level Reviews, and Board Appeals
- Communicating directly with VA on your behalf
- Checking claim status and following up on delays
Community Services (varies by organization)
- Transportation to VA medical appointments (DAV provides 700,000+ free rides per year)
- Job fairs and career transition support
- Educational scholarships for veterans and dependents
- Emergency financial assistance and disaster relief
- Homeless veteran services and housing assistance
- Mental health support and peer counseling
- Adaptive sports and recreation programs
Major Veterans Service Organizations
The American Legion
Visit Website →The nation's largest wartime veterans service organization with approximately 14,500 posts across the U.S. Instrumental in passing the original GI Bill. Provides claims assistance, youth programs, and community service.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Visit Website →Provides claims assistance, financial grants, transition support, and educational scholarships. Over 6,000 posts worldwide with a strong advocacy presence on Capitol Hill.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Visit Website →Focused on disabled veterans of all generations. Provides more than 700,000 free rides annually for veterans attending medical appointments, plus benefits counseling and employment assistance.
AMVETS (American Veterans)
Visit Website →The first WWII veterans organization. Strong lobbying presence for VA funding, homeless veteran services, career centers, and claims assistance at no cost.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)
Visit Website →The only congressionally chartered VSO dedicated solely to veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. Provides benefits counseling, adaptive sports, career support, and research advocacy.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
Visit Website →Promotes the full range of issues important to Vietnam-era veterans including Agent Orange exposure, PTSD, claims assistance, and legislative advocacy.
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)
Visit Website →Provides mental health support, career counseling, benefits assistance, peer support, and long-term rehabilitative care for post-9/11 veterans and their families.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
Visit Website →Focused on post-9/11 veterans. Advocates on burn pit exposure, mental health, GI Bill improvements, and transition support. Runs The Quick Reaction Force for rapid peer support.
Marine Corps League
Visit Website →Provides veterans assistance, youth programs (Young Marines), and community outreach. Chartered by Congress in 1937.
Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH)
Visit Website →Exclusive to combat-wounded veterans. Provides service officer assistance to all veterans regardless of membership, plus legislative advocacy for wounded warriors.
Blinded Veterans Association (BVA)
Visit Website →Helps veterans and their families meet and overcome the challenges of blindness. Provides outreach, benefits assistance, and rehabilitation referrals.
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA)
Visit Website →One of the nation's largest military officer associations. Strong advocacy on Capitol Hill for military pay, healthcare, survivor benefits, and transition assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for VSO services?
No. VSO representatives always provide their services on VA benefit claims free of charge. This is federally mandated.
Do I need to be a member of the organization to get help?
No. You do not need to be a member of any VSO to receive their free claims assistance. Membership is separate from representation.
Can I change my VSO representative?
Yes, at any time and for any reason. Contact VA at 800-827-1000, submit a new VA Form 21-22, or fax your request to the Claims Intake Center.
What form do I need to appoint a VSO?
VA Form 21-22 (Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative). For attorneys or claims agents, use VA Form 21-22a.
What is the difference between a VSO rep, attorney, and claims agent?
VSO reps are always free and work for recognized organizations. Attorneys and claims agents may charge fees (only after VA makes an initial decision on your claim) and typically handle more complex legal matters.
Can I file a complaint about my representative?
Yes. Contact VA's Office of General Counsel if you believe a representative demonstrated insufficient skill, misconduct, or other issues.
Should I get a VSO before or after filing my claim?
Before. A VSO can help you gather evidence, file correctly the first time, and avoid common mistakes that lead to denials or delays.
Need Help Now?
Call the VA Benefits Hotline to get connected with a representative, ask questions about your claim, or request information about VSOs in your area.
800-827-1000
VA Benefits Hotline
988
Veterans Crisis Line (press 1)