Your Earned Benefits, Realized.
Our accredited Veteran Service Officer provides expert, confidential, and completely free assistance to veterans, service members, and their families. We're here to help you navigate the VA system and secure the benefits you deserve.
How We Can Help
Our VSO provides a wide range of free services. Click on a category below to learn how we can assist you with your specific needs, from disability claims to educational benefits.
Your Path to Support
Engaging with our VSO is a straightforward process. Here are the simple steps to get started.
Review Services
Explore the services we offer on this page to understand how we can best assist you.
Gather Documents
Collect relevant documents, such as your DD-214, medical records, and any VA correspondence.
Schedule an Appointment
Contact our VSO to schedule a confidential, one-on-one meeting to discuss your case.
Connect with Your VSO
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to schedule your free consultation. We are here to serve you.
Name:
Colin Anderson
Title:
VFW Assistant Department Service Officer
Address:
130 S Elmwood Avenue, Suite 626
Buffalo, NY 14202-2484
Phone:
716-857-3403
Fax:
716-857-3484
Email:
colin.anderson@va.gov
Appointments are highly recommended. Please call or email to schedule.
While we strive to accommodate all veterans, scheduling an appointment ensures our VSO can dedicate the necessary time to your specific needs without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to common questions about VSO services and VA benefits.
A Veteran Service Officer (VSO) is a trained and accredited professional who assists veterans and their dependents in applying for and obtaining benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other government agencies. They are knowledgeable about the ever-changing laws and regulations regarding veterans' benefits and act as advocates for those they serve.
No. All services provided by our VFW Post 2348 VSO are completely free of charge. Our VSO provides guidance and assistance in navigating the VA system and is not an employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Our VSO provides assistance to all veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their dependents. You do not need to be a VFW member to receive VSO services.
It's helpful to bring your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), any relevant medical records (both military and private), previous VA correspondence, and identification. Your VSO will advise you on any additional documents needed for your specific claim.
Processing times for VA claims can vary widely depending on the complexity of the claim, the type of benefit, and the volume of claims the VA is processing. Your VSO can help you understand the typical timelines and keep you updated on the status of your claim.
Yes, absolutely. Our VSO is highly experienced in the VA appeals process. They can help you understand why your claim was denied, gather additional evidence, and file an effective appeal to seek a favorable decision.
That's perfectly normal! Many veterans are unaware of the full scope of benefits available to them. Our VSO's primary role is to assess your unique situation, military service, and needs to identify all potential benefits you may be eligible for.
While our primary focus is on VA benefits, our VSO can often provide information or direct you to resources for state and local veteran benefits, as well as other community support programs.
Yes, all discussions and information shared with our VSO are treated with the utmost confidentiality and privacy. Your personal and sensitive data will be handled securely.
If you have an urgent need or are experiencing a crisis, please contact our VSO immediately via phone. While appointments are recommended, we strive to assist veterans in critical situations as quickly as possible.
Yes, our VSO can assist you with the process of requesting corrections to your military records, including discharge upgrades, which can impact your eligibility for various VA benefits.