|
Service
To Veterans Program |
|
Through
the Service to Veterans Program, accredited Veterans Service Officers
(VSO) and Veterans Service Assistants (VSA) provide counseling and
assistance to thousands of Veterans and their dependents throughout
the state. Not only do these trained professionals counsel Veterans
on available VA and state Veterans' benefits, but also complete
and submit claims applications with all necessary documentation.
Currently there are approximately 543,000 Veterans living in Missouri,
and they are all potential clients.
Service
Officers and Assistants are also available for any follow-up work
necessary with the VA to obtain the maximum amount of earned benefits
due any eligible Veterans and/or dependents. VSO/VSA’s are
thoroughly trained and knowledgeable in all areas of Veterans benefits,
including service-connected compensation, non-service connected
disability pension, education and training, vocational rehabilitation,
burial, and survivor benefits. They will also assist claimants with
health care eligibility, VA Home Loan Guaranty, and other Veterans
benefits, including those offered by the state.
Veterans
Service Officers and Assistants have access to the VA’s Benefit
Delivery Network system, allowing them to expedite the filing of
claims and delivery of earned benefits to Veterans. Claimants must
provide written authorization before the VA will grant access to
a particular Veteran’s file. This can be done when the Veteran
applies for their earned benefits.
Veteran
Service offices are located in almost every county to make services
available to Veterans close to their homes. Information concerning
locations and phone numbers may be found in the local telephone
directory under Missouri, State of, Veterans Commission, by contacting
Central Office Headquarters at 573-751-3779, or by clicking Missouri
Counties Map to locate the nearest office in your area.
Veterans
Service Officers and Assistants are also available to groups interested
in Veterans benefits. These qualified personnel may give presentations
and instruction regarding the benefits for which Veterans may be
eligible as a result of military service in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Veterans Service Offices around the state can be found by clicking
Veterans
Service Offices.