When Heather Charles’ Vietnam veteran father died at 77, a hero of a different kind stepped in to help the family during their time of heartbreak.

A local Veteran Service Officer (VSO) worked on the former Army soldier’s behalf to secure a posthumous 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). That rating increased his family’s benefits significantly.

“Without them, so much would have been left undone for my dad,” Charles said. “The VA kept him at 70% when he had 30-plus problems at his death.” 

With Colorado’s veteran population aging and new benefits available under the 2022 PACT Act for those exposed to toxic substances, many veterans stand to gain from meeting with their local VSO.

GUIDING VETERANS THROUGH THE VA MAZE

VSOs help veterans navigate disability claims, appeals and wide range of other benefits. Many veterans don’t realize all the benefits they’re eligible for, and a VSO can help identify them—even years after discharge.

Best of all, these services are free. State law requires every Colorado county to maintain a Veterans Service Office to serve as a liaison between veterans and the VA. Accredited VSOs receive specialized training to provide complete and accurate guidance.

El Paso County VSO Vernon Stewart

“We maintain close partnerships with organizations such as Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, the Home Front Military Network and congressionally chartered groups like the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars),” said El Paso County VSO Vernon Stewart. “We regularly co-locate VSOs at Mt. Carmel, allowing for seamless coordination of services related to housing, employment, behavioral health and family support.”

VSOs can assist with benefits including disability ratings; education, survivor and burial benefits; VA life insurance; ChampVA health insurance for dependents; VA home loans; pensions; TRICARE and even Disabled Veteran (DV) license plates.

Disability ratings are often the first—and most challenging—step. The process can involve multiple denials and appeals, but success rates improve with VSO support.

“Calling the VA is complicated and not very helpful when all they do is send the caller pages of forms that cause anxiety,” said Pueblo County VSO Eric Moncibais. “Veterans and families need to know where all county VSOs are and that we can expedite the effort in achieving what they need from the VA.”

A service-connected disability may open doors to additional benefits such as medical care, vocational rehab and adaptive equipment or housing. Adding dependents can also increase compensation. 

WHAT MANY VETERANS DON’T KNOW

Still, many veterans remain unaware of what’s available—or even that VSOs exist.

“Every day I have a veteran, dependent or family member tell me they didn’t know Pueblo had a VSO or what a VSO offers,” Moncibais said.

He added that many veterans don’t understand certain benefits, such as special monthly compensations, 100% total and permanent disability, the difference between Aid and Attendance and home healthcare through a VA or Community Care provider, or how to request a review for worsening conditions.

Some also carry misconceptions about how the VA determines service connection.

Pueblo County VSO Eric Moncibais

“Many veterans assume that because the VA is treating them, it means their condition is service-connected. Untrue,” Moncibais said. “The VA will only service connect if the issue was documented in service records and is currently diagnosed with a history of chronicity.”

Stewart said many veterans don’t realize they may qualify for benefits tied to conditions that develop long after discharge. Others may be eligible for secondary conditions—health issues that stem from a primary service-connected disability—or for “presumptive” conditions automatically recognized based on service era or exposure.

Even a short consultation can uncover benefits, Stewart said. His office regularly helps veterans over 50 who have never filed a claim.

“The key message is, it’s never too late,” he said. “Every case is unique, and we’re here to review your service records, discuss your current health conditions and determine the best approach for filing a claim.”

However, he emphasized the importance of starting early: benefits are typically backdated only to the day a claim is filed, not to when a condition began.

“That’s why it’s essential to initiate the process as soon as possible,” Stewart said.

HELP WITH FINAL ARRANGEMENTS

VSOs also help veterans prepare for end-of-life and burial needs.

“We assist veterans in completing VA pre-need burial applications, which reserve space in a national cemetery,” Stewart said. “Taking care of this in advance can ease the burden on loved ones.”

VSOs can also explain Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) eligibility and help families keep key documents organized in case of a loss.

“Veterans need to understand Aid and Attendance, Veterans Living Centers eligibility and family responsibilities after death,” Moncibais said.

While VSOs don’t provide direct medical care, they help veterans understand how the VA health system works.

“For example, the Colorado Springs VA offers ‘sick call walk-in hours,’ which can prevent delays in getting care,” Moncibais said.

Most VSOs require appointments. Let them know if you’re homebound or need special accommodations.

FIND YOUR VSO

El Paso County

• Veterans.ElPasoCo.com 
• [email protected]
• Main Office: 5850 Championship View, Suite 130, Colorado Springs | 719-520-7750
• Satellite Office (Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center): 530 Communication Circle, Colorado Springs | 719-309-4729
• Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Appointments required

Fremont County

• FremontCountyCO.gov/Veteran-Services/Veteran-Services 
• [email protected]
• Fremont County Administration Building, 615 Macon Ave., Suite 203, Cañon City
• 719-276-7400
• Hours: 12-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday

Pueblo County

• County.Pueblo.org/Human-Services-Department/Veteran-Services
• [email protected] 
• 405 W. 9th St., Pueblo | 719-583-4544
• Hours: By appointment only

Teller County

• TellerCounty.gov/Veteran-Services
• [email protected]
• 800 Research Drive, Suite 230, Woodland Park | 719-686-5526
• Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

Visit BeaconSeniorNews.com/csp-veterans-resources for a verified list of local organizations that serve veterans and their families in El Paso, Teller, Pueblo
& Fremont Counties. Every number is personally confirmed by our team.

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