A VSO (Veterans Service Organization) can prepare and file your VA claim for you, for free. This tool doesn’t replace that. It helps you show up ready. Use it to get organized, understand the process, and prepare better questions, so the free help you get goes further.
What a VSO does, and why it’s free
A VSO representative is accredited by the VA to prepare, file, and present your claim at no cost. With your permission they can hold power of attorney to represent you, help you gather evidence, submit your forms, and track the claim through the system. You never have to pay a VSO to file a claim. If someone asks you to pay to file an original claim, that is a red flag.
Free, official ways to find help
- Find a VA-accredited representative or VSO. The VA’s official finder is at va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative.
- Search the VA’s accreditation list. Confirm that a representative, claims agent, or attorney is actually accredited at the VA Office of General Counsel accreditation search.
- Contact a major national VSO. DAV, VFW, American Legion, PVA, and AMVETS all have accredited representatives who help for free.
- Use your state or county Veterans Service Officer. Most states and counties have their own service officers who file claims at no cost, and they are often the fastest way to get in-person help. Search your state department of veterans affairs to find your local office.
One note on cost: VSOs are always free. Accredited claims agents and attorneys generally cannot charge you to file an original claim. They can only charge a fee for help after the VA has issued a decision, such as an appeal. Ask about fees up front.
How to use this tool before you see a VSO
Walking in organized saves everyone time and makes the help you get more useful. Before your appointment, use the free AI assistant and our guides to:
- Understand what the VA needs for service connection: a current diagnosis, an in-service event or exposure, and a nexus (the medical link between the two).
- Figure out which piece of evidence you might be missing, so you can ask your representative about it.
- Learn the VA terms and diagnostic codes tied to your conditions, so the conversation moves faster.
- Write down the questions you want to ask.
- Organize your records, and black out your SSN and other identifiers before you share anything.
What to bring to your VSO appointment
- Your DD-214.
- Any VA decision letters you’ve received.
- Relevant medical records, both service and civilian.
- A simple list of the conditions you want to claim.
- Any evidence you’ve already gathered, such as buddy statements or a nexus opinion.
This page is general educational information, not legal advice, and VA Claim Assistant is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. For help with a specific claim, work with a free VA-accredited representative. If you’re a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.