What is the primary goal of a VSO when working with veterans?

The primary goal of a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) is to ensure that veterans receive all benefits they are entitled to. This encompasses a wide range of services, including assistance with claims for disability compensation, education benefits, healthcare, and other forms of support that are available through federal, state, and local programs. VSOs are knowledgeable about complex regulations and policies that govern veteran benefits, and they work to navigate this system on behalf of veterans, making sure they understand their rights and the benefits they can access.

While representing veterans in court or conducting independent health evaluations may be functions of specific roles or organizations, they do not capture the core purpose of a VSO, which is fundamentally about advocacy and ensuring access to benefits. Similarly, administering military training falls outside the scope of the VSO's duties, which focus instead on veterans' rights and entitlements rather than military service itself. Thus, the focus on benefits aligns directly with the mission of most VSOs.