Veteran Service Officer (VSO)


VETERAN SERVICE OFFICERS (VSO)

Accredited American Legion Service Officers are specially trained to provide expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families. While the majority of a service officer’s work involves an application for VA disability benefits, these compassionate professionals also provide information, referrals, and resources on education, employment and business, death benefits, and other important topics.

If you have been told your military records are lost, call the VA at (844) 531-7818.


 

Department of California VSO’s

Department Service Officer (Vacant)
dso@calegion.org

Oakland RO
VACANT

Fresno VHA
Mark Campos: (559)241-6416

Los Angeles RO
Cynthia Browne: (310)235-6476 ext. 48041
Sheila Patterson: (310)235-6476 ext. 48043

Long Beach VHA
VACANT

Loma Linda VHA
Josie Thomas: (909)894-7856 

San Diego RO
Chris Garza: (619)400-5301

La Jolla VHA
Ron Harrell: (858)642-6452

Click the link below to contact the county veteran’s service office nearest you:

Veterans Benefit Claims

Veterans need not be alone in their battles for benefits and medical care. Veterans are often forced to wage war against the paperwork and bureaucracy of government in order to get medical care or benefits. Here’s some good news: American Legion Service Officers offer free advice and guidance for veterans who need to deal with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Important documents that may be needed to support a VA disability claim. Please have the following ready when you make your call to discuss VA benefits:

    • DD-214 
      A DD-214 is issued at your time of separation from the military.) ***
    • Service Medical Records
      (Outpatient), dental records, entrance and separation examination reports.
    • Personnel File
    • Line of Duty (LOD) investigation reports
    • Overseas or Temporary Duty (Travel) Orders

VA&R Publication found on The American Legion website.

*** Separating personnel should ensure that all of the information (including awards, overseas time, campaigns, RE code, etc.) on the DD 214 is correct before signing. Uncorrected errors may cause problems in the future when applying for VA and other benefits.

VA Resources

American Legion service officers work tirelessly to ensure that veterans receive the benefits entitled to them.

 


Post Service Officer (PSO)

A post service officer (PSO) is an important volunteer position that is often the first Legionnaire post members or dependents turn to for help with veteran benefit issues. The PSO’s primary duty is to serve as a link between the veteran or dependent and an accredited veteran service officers in the Department of California. Post Service Officer (PSO) 

 

American Legion Service Officer School

Accredited American Legion Service Officers train to better serve America’s veterans, their families and dependents.