VA Benefits Assistance

If you need help learning about VA programs or with a VA application process, recommend you work with an approved Veterans Service Organization (VSO). It's their job to help you at no cost. To find a VSO go to VA's Directory of Veterans Service Organizations at http://www1.va.gov/vso/index.cfm.  You can also check with your state VA department and your state's network of county veteran service officers.  Most are listed at  www.va.gov/statedva.htm.  If someone approaches you to help with a VA application, claim, or appeal, check to see if they are a VSO.  Chances are they won't be because VSOs don't solicit for your business, you have to find them.   There are a few organizations which use the front of helping with VA benefits as a way to meet prospective customers. These groups solicit for your business. They offer to get you money from the VA for long term care cost, assisted living, or survivor benefits. Tread lightly around these offers. On the surface, they appear legitimate but if not, it could wind up costing you time and money in the long run. Some things to look for are:

·        Organizations having at their base, a financial services firm.

·        Organization that are not an official Veteran Service Organization (VSO). VSOs are chartered by the VA to act as an official VA representative for members on VA matters.

·        Organizations wanting to help in an area that is not their core business.

·        Inability to get a satisfactory answer about how they make their money.

·        The motive behind a financial service firm's interest in helping you with issues that get them nothing in return. The process, bureaucracy and time involved in helping vets with VA programs is substantial.   Also, helping with some VA programs provides access to a veteran's complete financial information.

[Source:  MOAA Financial Frontlines Shane Ostrom]