VSO Helps Veteran Access Mental Health Care

Last May, a veteran service officer (VSO) met with a veteran who had been struggling mentally since getting out of the service. She was not enrolled in VA health care and was using her husband’s insurance to see a primary care physician.

The veteran had moved to the area about three years prior and wasn’t able to find a suitable mental health care provider. She reached out to the VA clinic, but didn’t get a timely call back. 

The VSO completed a lengthy claim to submit to the VA and helped the veteran enroll with Veterans Health Administration services. He tapped contacts at a local clinic to explain the issue and express the veteran’s desire to get the care she needed. 

Though skeptical, the veteran meet her VSO at the clinic the following morning. A day later, the veteran saw a counselor for an initial exam. She now has weekly appointments and is very grateful to the VSO and the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). 

Contact a VVA Veteran Service Officer to assist with your claim in states that have a benefits program here, or search for a VSO from another organization through the VA’s website in states where we do not. Enter your ZIP code or city and state, and you’ll see which VSOs serve your area.