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4 resource hubs · VSOs · Attorneys · Social workers

Professional Resources

Know who can help — and when. From free VSO representation to legal help for complex appeals, these are the professionals who work with veterans every day.

Resource Hubs

Who Can Help You?

Each hub covers what they do, when you need them, how to find them, and what it costs.

  1. VSO Representatives

    Free, accredited help with your VA claim

    ✓ Always free

    A Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative is an accredited professional who helps you file claims, gather evidence, and navigate the VA system — at absolutely no cost to you. They are trained, tested, and accredited by the VA's Office of General Counsel. Most veterans use a VSO for their initial claims, and many continue using them through appeals.

    What a VSO Does for You

    • Files disability claims and gathers supporting evidence on your behalf
    • Represents you at VA hearings and Board of Veterans' Appeals proceedings
    • Reviews your rating decisions and advises whether to appeal
    • Helps you understand VA letters, decisions, and medical evidence
    • Connects you with local VA resources, programs, and other benefits
    • Assists with non-disability benefits: pension, education, home loans, burial
    • Communicates directly with the VA on your behalf — they have access to your file

    How to Find a VSO

    • VA's official representative finder: va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/find-rep/
    • VA's list of recognized VSOs: va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/accredvso.asp
    • Visit your local VA Regional Office — VSOs have desks in most offices
    • County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) are available at your county government building in most states
    • Call 1-800-698-2411 (VA main line) and ask for help finding a local VSO

    What to Bring to Your First Appointment

    • DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
    • Any VA rating decision letters you've received
    • Current medical records and diagnoses related to your claim
    • Service treatment records (STRs) if you have them
    • A list of all conditions you want to claim or are already rated for
    • Contact information for doctors, therapists, or specialists you've seen
    • A government-issued photo ID

    How VSO Appointment Works

    • You appoint the organization (not an individual person) using VA Form 21-22
    • Both you and the VSO must sign the form before it's submitted
    • You can submit VA Form 21-22 online through VA.gov, by mail, or in person
    • If you switch VSOs later, filing a new 21-22 automatically revokes the old one
    • You may work with different representatives within the same organization
    • Appointing a VSO gives them access to your VA claims file

    Important Facts

    • VSO services are always 100% free — it is illegal for a VSO to charge you
    • VSOs are accredited by the VA's Office of General Counsel
    • An accredited VSO representative can help prepare forms, identify evidence to gather, and communicate with VA, but cannot guarantee an outcome
    • You do not have to be a member of the organization (e.g., VFW) to use their VSO services
    • You can switch VSOs at any time if you're not happy with your representation

    Key takeaway

    If you want help filing or reviewing a claim, an accredited VSO representative is a free option. Verify the representative in VA's accreditation directory and choose help that fits your situation.

  2. VA-Accredited Attorneys

    When your case needs legal firepower

    VA-accredited attorneys are licensed lawyers who have passed the VA's accreditation requirements to represent veterans before the VA. Unlike VSOs, they can charge fees — but only after the VA has issued an initial decision on your claim. They're most valuable for complex appeals, Board hearings, and Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE) claims.

    When You Need an Attorney

    • You've been denied and need to file a Board of Veterans' Appeals hearing
    • You're pursuing a Clear and Unmistakable Error (CUE) claim on a past decision
    • Your case involves complex legal arguments (effective dates, character of discharge, etc.)
    • You need representation at a Board hearing before a Veterans Law Judge
    • Your VSO has been unable to get results and you want more aggressive representation
    • You're appealing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC)
    • You have a complicated claim involving multiple denied conditions over many years

    Fee Structure

    • Attorneys can only charge fees after the VA has issued an initial decision on your claim — they cannot charge for initial filings
    • Most VA attorneys work on contingency: they only get paid if you win
    • Typical contingency fees are 20% to 33.3% of your back pay award (past-due benefits)
    • Fee agreements must be filed with the VA — either with the Regional Office (for direct-pay) or with the Office of General Counsel
    • The VA can pay attorneys directly from your back pay award if there is a direct-pay fee agreement on file
    • You have the right to challenge any fee you believe is unreasonable
    • Some attorneys charge hourly or flat fees instead of contingency — always clarify before signing

    How to Find a VA-Accredited Attorney

    • VA OGC Accreditation Search: va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/
    • National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP): nvlsp.org
    • Your state bar association may have a veterans law section
    • Ask your VSO for a referral — they often know which local attorneys are effective
    • Veterans law firms: many specialize exclusively in VA disability claims

    VSO vs. Attorney — When Is a VSO Enough?

    • For initial claims: A VSO is almost always sufficient and costs nothing
    • For Supplemental Claims with new evidence: A VSO can handle this effectively
    • For Higher-Level Reviews: A VSO can represent you in these informal conferences
    • For Board hearings: An attorney may be worth the cost, especially for complex cases
    • For CAVC appeals: You almost certainly need an attorney — this is federal court
    • For CUE claims: An attorney is strongly recommended — these have very specific legal requirements

    Important Facts

    • VA accreditation is separate from a state bar license — not all lawyers can represent you before the VA
    • Attorneys must file their fee agreements with the VA
    • You appoint an attorney using VA Form 21-22a (different from the VSO form 21-22)
    • An attorney's accreditation can be revoked for misconduct or unreasonable fees
    • VA accreditation does NOT qualify someone to give financial or investment advice

    Key takeaway

    Start with a VSO for free. If you're denied and facing a complex appeal or Board hearing, that's when an attorney earns their fee.

  3. VA Social Workers

    Housing, employment, crisis support, and more

    ✓ Always free

    Every VA Medical Center (VAMC) has social workers on staff who help veterans navigate life challenges beyond disability claims. They connect you with housing, employment, mental health services, community resources, caregiver support, and crisis intervention. If you're struggling with anything — not just benefits — a VA social worker can point you in the right direction.

    What VA Social Workers Do

    • Help with housing: emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent placement
    • Connect you with employment services and job training programs
    • Refer you to mental health services, substance use treatment, and counseling
    • Help navigate community resources: food assistance, transportation, legal aid
    • Coordinate care between VA and non-VA providers
    • Assist with discharge planning when leaving a VA hospital or facility
    • Support family members and caregivers with resources and respite care
    • Help veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness

    How to Access a VA Social Worker

    • Every VA Medical Center (VAMC) has social workers — ask at the front desk or call the main number
    • Your VA primary care team can refer you to a social worker
    • If you're in crisis, go to any VA Emergency Department — a social worker will be available
    • Call the VA's main line at 1-800-827-1000 and ask to be connected to social work services
    • You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to talk to a social worker about housing or crisis needs
    • Use the VA Facility Locator: va.gov/find-locations/ to find your nearest VAMC

    SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families)

    • SSVF provides case management and supportive services to prevent homelessness and promote housing stability
    • Services include: rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, emergency housing assistance
    • SSVF can help with security deposits, first month's rent, utility payments, and moving costs
    • Also provides legal assistance referrals, childcare, transportation, and financial planning
    • Available to very low-income veteran families (at or below 50% of area median income)
    • Find SSVF providers near you: va.gov/homeless/ssvf/
    • In FY2025, the VA awarded $818 million to 235 organizations for SSVF and related homeless veteran services

    HUD-VASH (Housing + Case Management)

    • HUD-VASH combines a HUD Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management
    • Provides a rental assistance voucher that pays a portion of your rent to a private landlord
    • VA case managers provide ongoing supportive services: health care, mental health, employment, substance use treatment
    • Designed for chronically homeless veterans and those with serious mental health or substance use challenges
    • To access: call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838
    • Or visit your local VA Medical Center and ask for the Homeless Veteran Coordinator
    • The program helps veterans obtain and maintain permanent housing in the community

    Caregiver Support

    • The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) provides a monthly stipend, health care, training, and respite care to eligible caregivers
    • The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) offers training, support groups, and referrals to all caregivers of enrolled veterans
    • Caregiver Support Coordinators are available at every VAMC
    • Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274 (Monday-Friday, 8 AM-10 PM ET; Saturday, 8 AM-5 PM ET)
    • Apply for the PCAFC using VA Form 10-10CG

    Key takeaway

    VA social workers are free and available at every VA Medical Center. If you're struggling with housing, employment, or life after service, they're your first call.

  4. Financial Guidance for Veterans

    Maximize your benefits, avoid costly mistakes

    VA disability compensation is tax-free, and there are several financial programs and strategies that can significantly impact your financial picture. This section covers what every veteran should know — but it is NOT financial advice. For personalized guidance, consult a qualified financial advisor, preferably one experienced with military and veteran finances.

    VA Disability Pay Is Tax-Free

    • VA disability compensation is completely exempt from federal income tax
    • It is also exempt from state income tax in all 50 states
    • This makes your effective value higher than an equivalent salary — a $2,000/month VA payment is worth more than $2,000 in wage income
    • VA disability pay is not reported on your tax return and does not affect your tax bracket
    • However, VA disability pay does count as income for some purposes (e.g., mortgage qualification)

    CRDP (Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay)

    • CRDP can restore some or all retired pay offset by VA disability compensation for retirees who meet the current retirement-status and VA-rating criteria
    • A VA rating of at least 50% is one criterion, not the entire eligibility test
    • DFAS generally applies CRDP when its records show eligibility, but the amount and tax treatment depend on the individual retired-pay record
    • Review current DFAS and VA guidance or ask a qualified retirement-pay counselor before relying on an estimate

    CRSC (Combat-Related Special Compensation)

    • CRSC may replace some retired pay offset for disabilities the service branch finds combat related
    • Current VA guidance includes at least a 10% VA disability rating plus applicable retired-pay and combat-related criteria
    • Apply through the applicable service branch; CRSC is not awarded solely from the VA rating
    • CRDP and CRSC cannot both be paid for the same month; DFAS provides an annual election process for people eligible for both
    • Verify current tax and payment treatment with DFAS or a qualified adviser for the individual record

    TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) Considerations

    • The TSP has extremely low expense ratios (0.055% or less) — far lower than most 401(k) or IRA options
    • You can keep your TSP account open after separating from service
    • You can roll other retirement accounts INTO your TSP to take advantage of the low fees
    • Cashing out your TSP before age 59.5 triggers a 10% early withdrawal penalty plus income taxes
    • If you separate in the year you turn 55 or later, you may access TSP without the 10% penalty
    • Consider consulting a fee-only financial advisor before making any TSP decisions

    VA Home Loan Benefit

    • A VA-backed purchase loan may allow no down payment when VA, lender, entitlement, appraisal, and property requirements are met
    • VA-backed purchase loans do not require monthly private mortgage insurance, but closing costs and a funding fee may still apply
    • Private lenders set rates and underwriting terms, so compare offers and total costs
    • Funding-fee rates and exemptions depend on the loan and borrower status; have the lender verify the current VA rule rather than assuming a rating percentage is enough
    • The benefit may be used again when entitlement and other requirements allow
    • A Certificate of Eligibility shows service-based eligibility, not loan approval; request it through VA.gov, an eligible lender, or VA Form 26-1880

    State-Level Financial Benefits

    • Property tax exemptions: Many states offer partial or full property tax exemptions for disabled veterans (varies widely by state and rating)
    • Vehicle registration and license plate fee waivers in most states for disabled veterans
    • State income tax exemptions on military retirement pay in many states
    • Free or discounted hunting/fishing licenses in most states
    • Education benefits for dependents of disabled veterans (state-funded, separate from GI Bill)
    • Check your state's Department of Veterans Affairs website for a complete list — use our State Benefits page for details

    Key takeaway

    The VA Wayfinder does not provide financial advice. For personalized financial planning, consult a qualified fee-only financial advisor experienced with military benefits. The information here is for educational awareness only.

VSO Directory

Major Veterans Service Organizations

These are the largest and most established VSOs in the country. All provide free claims assistance.

Financial Awareness

Common Financial Mistakes Veterans Make

Awareness is the first step. These are the most common financial pitfalls we see.

  1. Not checking separate program rules

    Disability compensation, dependents, state programs, pension, health care, and other benefits use different eligibility rules. Check programs that fit your situation without adding conditions or pursuing a rating solely for financial strategy.

  2. Paying taxes on VA disability compensation

    VA disability pay is 100% tax-free at the federal and state level. If a tax preparer is including it as taxable income, find a new one.

  3. Not understanding CRDP vs. CRSC

    CRDP and CRSC have different retirement, VA-rating, combat-related, offset, application, and tax rules. A 50% rating alone does not establish CRDP eligibility, and CRSC generally requires at least a 10% VA rating plus other criteria.

  4. Missing the VA Home Loan benefit

    A VA-backed loan may offer no-down-payment financing and no monthly private mortgage insurance when VA, lender, entitlement, appraisal, and occupancy requirements are met. Compare rates, fees, and total costs across lenders and loan types.

  5. Cashing out TSP too early

    Rolling your Thrift Savings Plan into a high-fee IRA or cashing out triggers penalties and taxes. The TSP has some of the lowest expense ratios available. Consider keeping it and rolling other accounts into it instead.

  6. Not filing for state benefits

    State and local programs vary and change. Check the responsible veterans, tax, education, motor-vehicle, and licensing agencies rather than relying on an unverified amount or exemption.

  7. Ignoring the Survivors Benefit Plan (SBP)

    Military retirees who opt out of SBP at retirement leave their surviving spouse with no retired pay continuation. The decision is nearly irreversible after the election window closes.

Use accredited help and review any fee agreement

VA-accredited VSO help is free. Accredited attorneys and claims agents generally may not charge for services provided before VA issues the initial decision on a claim. After an eligible initial decision, they may charge a reasonable fee under a written agreement, including fixed, hourly, percentage, contingency, or mixed arrangements. Verify accreditation and review the scope, rate, expenses, and payment terms before signing.

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