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Veteran Q&A

How do I find a CVSO (County Veterans Service Officer)?

Search our directory by ZIP, state or county. CVSOs are free claims helpers, usually employed by a county (in some states, by the state), and are typically VA-accredited representatives.

County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) are usually county government employees; some states use state or regional veterans service officers instead. They are typically VA-accredited representatives (accreditation is per person, so ask whether the person helping you is VA-accredited) and help with VA disability claims, pension claims and appeals for free. Not every county has its own office, and some officers cover several counties. To find yours, search our directory by ZIP, state or county, or ask your state veterans agency.

Detail

  • Free service: accredited service officers cannot charge you for help with a VA claim.
  • VA-accredited representatives are legally allowed to file VA paperwork on your behalf and access your VA records once you appoint them (VA Form 21-22).
  • Coverage varies by state: many counties have their own office, some share a regional officer, and in some states the state veterans agency provides the officers.
  • Check any representative's accreditation with VA's accreditation search at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation.
  • Find yours via the directory: search by ZIP, by state, or by county.
  • Most CVSOs offer in-person or telephone appointments. Many have walk-in hours.
  • Some states use different titles: Veterans Service Officer (VSO), County Veterans Affairs Officer (CVAO), Veterans Affairs Coordinator. Same role.
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net.

Related pages

Browse all CVSOs by stateCVSO — full glossary entryVSO vs CVSO — what's the difference?VA Form 21-22 — appoint a CVSO/VSO

Other veteran questions

How do I file a VA disability claim?File VA Form 21-526EZ — Application for Disability Compensation.How long does a VA disability claim take?4-6 months on average for an initial decision; longer for complex or appealed claims.What is a DD-214?A DD-214 is the federal Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty issued to every U.S. servicemember leaving active service.What is TDIU (Total Disability Individual Unemployability)?TDIU is a VA designation that pays at the 100% disability rate when service-connected disabilities prevent you from holding "substantially gainful employment," even if your combined rating is below 100%.Are VA disability payments taxed?No. VA disability compensation is fully tax-free under federal law (38 USC §5301).Is asthma a PACT Act presumptive condition?Yes. Asthma diagnosed after service is a PACT Act burn-pit presumptive for post-9/11 veterans who served in qualifying locations.

About these answers

These plain-English answers are maintained by Wounded Warriors (Texas 501(c)(3), EIN 86-1336741). We cite VA's official sources where applicable. Always verify the most current rules at va.gov. Free, machine-queryable under CC-BY 4.0.