Search accredited representatives
Choose “VSO Representative,” then enter a city, state, or postal code. The official search lists people currently accredited by VA.
Open VA representative searchFree accredited claim assistance
Find a VSO you can verify.
Choose your state to open VA’s current list of accredited VSO representatives, then contact the office before you appoint an organization.
Official search routes
Use current VA records instead of an unverified directory.
Office staffing, appointments, and accreditation can change. The state search above goes directly to VA’s current representative results; these additional routes help locate offices and organizations.
More ways to locate accredited help
Use a city or ZIP code when you want to narrow the official search further.
Locate a VA benefits office
Search benefits facilities near you and ask which accredited organizations or representatives serve that office.
Find VA benefits locationsSee VSOs at regional offices
Browse VA’s state index of Veterans Service Organizations located at regional benefit offices.
Browse regional-office VSOsA five-minute verification
Confirm the person before sharing your claim records.
A local post, county office, or veterans organization may offer many services, but the person representing a VA benefit claim should appear in VA’s current accreditation search.
Search the individual, not only the organization.
Select “VSO Representative” in the official VA finder and search by name or location. If no current result appears, ask the office who will be assigned and verify that person separately.
Call before traveling or appointing.
Ask whether the representative is accepting new claimants, handles your type of issue, offers remote appointments, and works with the organization you intend to name.
Ask which organization belongs on Form 21-22.
VA notes that claimants usually appoint the organization rather than a single VSO employee. Confirm the exact organization name before signing.
Agree on communication and document handling.
Ask who will receive VA notices, how you will get copies of submissions, and which secure method the office uses for records containing personal information.
What accredited VSOs do
Use a VSO for the parts of the claim where representation helps.
An accredited VSO representative can help gather evidence, prepare and file a claim, request a decision review, and communicate with VA on your behalf. VA states that this assistance is free.
Organize the evidence
Identify the records tied to each claimed issue and flag missing service, medical, or dependency documents.
Prepare the filing
Choose the appropriate VA form, review the application for completeness, and submit it through an accepted channel.
Discuss review options
After a decision, compare Higher-Level Review, Supplemental Claim, and Board Appeal routes based on the issue and available evidence.
Appoint the organization
Contact the VSO before completing VA Form 21-22.
VA provides an online appointment process and a PDF form. Both the claimant and the representative must complete the required authorization steps.
- Confirm the organization is willing and able to accept the appointment.
- Ask for the exact organization name and power-of-attorney code, if the office uses one.
- Read the authorization scope before signing and keep a completed copy.
- Remember that appointing a new representative replaces the current appointment.
Prepare before you contact anyone
A short issue summary makes the first conversation useful.
Bring one page that identifies the decision or claim, the conditions involved, the important dates, the evidence already submitted, and the result you want to discuss.
Questions to Ask a VSO
Use the appointment checklist and print a one-page note sheet before the meeting.
Review a VA Decision
Organize the decision, cited evidence, and unresolved issues before discussing the next step.
Request Your C-File
Ask VA for the claim record when important evidence or older decisions are missing.
Find the Correct VA Form
Preview common forms by purpose and open the current version on VA.gov.
VSO questions
Know what free accredited help includes.
Does a VSO charge for VA claim representation?
No. VA states that the services an accredited VSO representative provides on a VA benefit claim are always free.
Will VA automatically assign a representative?
No. You choose and appoint a representative. VA also advises contacting the representative first to confirm availability and, for a VSO, the organization that should be named.
Can a VSO help after a denial?
Yes. An accredited VSO representative may help evaluate a decision and prepare a decision review request. The appropriate lane depends on the error alleged, the evidence available, and applicable deadlines.
Is a VSO the same as a VA-accredited attorney?
No. Both may be accredited to represent claimants, but VSO claim assistance is free and attorneys may charge permitted fees in qualifying situations. The type of help and engagement terms differ.
Found someone to contact?
Prepare your questions, records, and claim summary before the first appointment.