Veterans Service Officers

A VSO is a Veteran Service Officer. He/she is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) qualified representative. There are three types of accredited representatives. 1) Veterans Service Organization (VSO), 2) Attorneys, and 3) agents. They help ensure claimants have access to responsible and qualified representation on their VA benefits claims. They must have good moral character and be capable of providing competent representation. The VA’s Office of General Counsel is responsible for making those determinations through its accreditation process. The accreditation process differs depending on which type of accreditation is being sought. An accredited VSO representative is someone who has been recommended for accreditation by a VSO that is recognized by VA to assist on VA benefit claims.

An NSO is a National Service Officer (NSO). American Veterans (AMVETS) National Service Officers are a group of experts who provide information, counseling, and claims service to all veterans and their dependents. They are known for their expert assistance in helping veterans file claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for VA benefits. They are stationed at Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Offices and Medical Centers across the United States. AMVETS National Service Officers are trained in all aspects of veterans’ benefits, keeping abreast of changes in VA regulations, policies, procedures, and entitlements. The AMVETS National Service Officers program is funded by the AMVETS National Service Foundation, and their services are offered at no cost to the claimant or their family.