One Vietnam veteran had used VA health for years, but never attempted to get a service-connected disability rating. After months of in-person meetings, his Massachusetts veteran service officer (VSO) submitted a packet and claim. Last June, the veteran thanked the VSO, reporting that he now is rated at 90%, received $15,000 in back pay and is working with VA mental health counselors.

Another Vietnam veteran visited after being diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Within two weeks of filing his claim, the veteran’s rating decision came back at 100%. A retroactive benefits payment check was issued, and the veteran started to get paid at the 100% rate.

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.

Success Stories

Widow Thanks VSO for Helping Veteran Access Benefits

David Park, a veteran in Washington State, was a client of Seattle-based VSO Jeannie Ebert. He had filed several claims and appeals with the Veterans Administration (VA) over several years, but his case was “a mess,” she says, leading to frustration. Ebert explained the appeal process and performed significant evidence-gathering with VA and non-VA providers. […]

Ankle Injury Claim and Dependent Benefits Approved

A veteran filed his own claim requesting an increase for an injury to his right ankle with no supporting documents, and the claim was denied. He was already rated at 10% for the right ankle injury plus 10% for tinnitus for a combined rating of 20%. A Massachusetts veteran service officer (VSO) assisted the veteran […]

Veteran Receives $54K After Four Years of Pain

“Julian” is a 71-year-old veteran from Louisiana who served in the Army during peacetime. When veteran service officer (VSO) Paula Tuero-Flesch began working his case four years ago, he was service-connected at 70% and was seeking Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) compensation. Under normal circumstances, going from 70% to 100% doesn’t take very long. But […]

Vietnam Vets Receive Higher Ratings, Retroactive Pay