3 minute read
Hey Veterans, Did You Know?
MITCH LOEBER/FOR THE GOLDSBORO NEWS-ARGUS
Mike Burris, center, going over the business of the Veterans of Foreign Wars during their monthly meeting in Dudley, N.C. April 13, 2009.
Veteran Service Organizations and Veteran Service Officers
There are many organizations that have been established to help veterans. The Department of Veteran Affairs maintains a list that is broken down into five categories. If you or a veteran is looking for help this list could prove to be very useful. It gives contact phone numbers, websites, etc. To view the entire document, visit www.va.gov/vso/VSODirectory.pdf.
Some of the most known veterans’ organizations are American Veterans (AMVETS), The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Marine Corps League, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Military Order of the Purple Heart, National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), and Paralyzed Veterans of America. This is not a complete list as there are many more in the VA VSO Directory.
Each of the organizations have accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) that can help prepare a medical or disability claim to submit to the VA.
Before making an appointment, it is a good idea to become familiar with the claims process so that you are aware of the documents and proof that they will ask you to provide; visit www.va.gov/ disability/how-to-file-claim for details.
While you may be able to file the claim yourself, a VSO works with claims daily and knows what needs to be included. This is all provided FREE of charge by each of these organizations; you do not need to be a member to receive help.
A few local resources for Veteran Service Organizations can be found in the “How Can I Get Help?” section on this page.
HOW CAN I GET HELP?
Every county and state has a Veteran Affairs office to answer questions about benefits and provide assistance. There are also other useful resources for veterans in the Inland Northwest.
GO ONLINE
VA.gov
The Department of Veterans Affairs website has resources on every topic relevant to veterans.
VA.gov/welcome-kit
The VA Welcome Guide covers all types of benefits and services available for veterans, new recruits, active service members and their families.
DAV9.com
Based in Post Falls, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 9 Fort Sherman shares links and information to both local and national help organizations for veterans.
Explore.VA.gov/benefitsnavigator
Explore VA benefits and discover which ones you and your family may be eligible to receive.
IN PERSON
Spokane County Regional Veteran Service
1117 N. Evergreen Rd., Spokane Valley, WA (509) 477-3690
Apply for emergency services, or have any benefits or service questions answered by 5 Veteran Service Officers (VSO) and staff.
North Idaho Veteran Services and Benefits Office
120 E. Railroad Ave., Post Falls, ID (208) 446-1092
Meet with a VSO or staff for help with VA benefits enrollment, claims or other veteran needs.
Goodwill Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
130 E. Third Ave., Spokane, WA (509) 828-2449
SSVF helps homeless veterans and their families find housing and connects veterans with other support organizations.
BY PHONE
