San Bernardino County Veterans Affairs said it provides free, one-on-one help for veterans filing VA disability compensation claims.

The department’s accredited Veterans Service Officers, known as VSOs, work directly with veterans to gather medical records, prepare claims and identify evidence linking injuries or illnesses to military service.

"The process can feel overwhelming," said County Veterans Affairs Deputy Director Demarius Carmichael. "Veterans may not know which forms to complete, what evidence they need or how to connect their condition to their military service."

The department said veterans do not have to have served in combat to qualify; it cited tinnitus as an example, saying noise exposure during service; such as working near aircraft or a firing range; can support a claim even if duties did not involve combat.

Medical records, diagnoses, previous VA decision letters, information about when a condition began and a veteran’s DD Form 214 can help support a claim; county staff can help identify missing documents and assist veterans in requesting a DD214.

The assistance is provided at no cost through accredited VSOs; veterans may still need to attend medical appointments or obtain records, but they do not have to navigate the process alone.

Veterans who believe a condition may be connected to their military service are encouraged to contact County Veterans Affairs at va.sbcounty.gov or by calling 866-472-8387.

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County of San Bernardino

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