Veteran Gets Expedited Resolution Thanks to VSO

In January 2023, a national veteran service officer (VSO) from Ohio met a veteran who needed help through a mutual friend. Given the sensitive nature of the veteran’s experience, the VSO advised him to reach out to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) first in order to receive needed psychological counseling and care while simultaneously registering his intent to file. 

Once the veteran had scheduled mental health counseling regularly, the VSO gathered all pertinent documentation and submitted a claim for PTSD based on military sexual trauma (MST) that had occurred while in service. 

Based upon the veterans living and financial situation, the VSO also asked the VA to expedite adjudication of the claim given the fact that the veteran met all criteria required for disability compensation to be awarded.

The veteran was scheduled for a C&P claim examination in March of the same year and received a decision letter in early May — less than 150 days from initial contact — granting 70% compensation for the service-connected condition. More importantly, the veteran is getting the needed assistance and care he earned through his military service.

Contact a VVA Veteran Service Officer to assist with your claim in states that have a benefits program here, or search for a VSO from another organization through the VA’s website in states where we do not. Enter your ZIP code or city and state, and you’ll see which VSOs serve your area.