Marine Corps League Service Officer Program

Mission

To actively serve and advocate for U.S. Marine Corps Veterans and Veterans of all U.S. Armed Forces, their families, and survivors to ensure they receive their Department of Veterans Affairs, state, and local government and non­ government benefits for which they are entitled.

Vision

By delivering superior, responsive, and unswerving support and services, the Marine Corps League will become the Veteran service organization of choice for Marine Corps Veterans and their families seeking the benefits, services, and assistance with transition and post-service needs.

Veterans Service Officers

When you need assistance getting the benefits due as a Veteran or eligible family member you should seek the assistance of a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). A VSO representative can help you gather evidence needed and submit a Fully Developed Claim on your behalf. A VSO representative can also correspond with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) about your claim on your behalf. VSOs always provide their representation on VA claims free of charge.

VSOs can assist Veterans and their families in many ways, including:

  • answering questions, advising, and educating individuals and groups on what benefits are available from federal, state, county, and local resources,
  • assisting persons in completing and filing benefit claims, and
  • representing individuals in VA hearings.

VSOs are trained and accredited by the VA or other recognized organizations to assist Veterans, their dependents, and survivors. This includes not only applying for federal and state benefits but also providing information on:

The VA Office of General Counsel maintains a list of VA-recognized organizations and VA-accredited individuals authorized to assist in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of VA benefit claims at https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp.

Detachment Service Officers

The Detachment Service Officer (DSO) is a volunteer position in a Marine Corps League Detachment. A DSO is a vital link between the Veteran or Veteran’s family member(s) and a representative holding Marine Corps League accreditation. An effective DSO understands the benefits afforded to Veterans and family members; however, a DSO does not hold legal standing to represent a claimant in their benefits claims before the VA. The DSO:

  • Has a fundamental understanding of benefits for Veterans, dependents, and survivors.
  • Understands the basics of the VA claims process.
  • Can provide information on the VA healthcare facilities and Vet Centers in their local areas.
  • Can assist the Veteran in completing VA Forms.
  • May assist claimants in obtaining a copy of military and other records, e.g., DD 214, service medical record, etc.
  • Will provide services free of charge.

How to Become an Accredited Representative

The Marine Corps League may certify the following individuals for accreditation:

  • State Service Officers,
  • County Service Officers,
  • Service Officers currently trained and certified by and accredited through a Veterans Service Organization, e.g., Disable American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars; and
  • Regular members of the Marine Corps League.

Every person seeking accreditation must submit VA Form 21, Application for Accreditation as Service Organization Representative.

  • Employees of state or county VA departments must be provide an endorsement letter signed by their Department Supervisor.
  • Accredited service officers of a Veterans Service Organization must provide an endorsement letter signed by their organization’s national certifying official.
  • Marine Corps League Detachment members must provide an endorsement letter signed by their Detachment Commandant who can attest to the individual’s qualifications and character.

Copies of recent (i.e., within the past two years) training certificates must accompany each application and include a detailed summary of experience. Applications must be submitted to the Marine Corps League National Director of Veterans Service.

Accreditation may be canceled at any time by the VA Office of General Counsel or National Director of Veterans Service.

CAMP LEJEUNE AND PACT ACT RESOURCES

VETERANS AFFAIRS RESOURCES

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Contact our National Director of Veterans Service

MGySgt Tom Mueller, USMC (Ret)

TMueller@MCLeague.org

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