How to apply for California County Veterans Service Offices — Free VA Claims Help

Who it's for

County Veterans Service Offices throughout California help veterans and their families file VA claims at no cost — disability compensation, pension, Aid and Attendance, survivor benefits, and appeals. CalVet also provides claims review and representation for appeals through its district offices. Getting the VA rating right matters twice in California: the rating drives federal compensation, and it unlocks state benefits such as the Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption (100% rating) and reduced-fee licenses and the parks pass (50% rating). No one needs to pay a private company to file a VA claim.

What you'll need

• DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork
• Any existing VA correspondence or award letters
• Medical records related to the claim
• For survivor claims: marriage certificate and the veteran's death certificate

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Gather your DD-214 or other military discharge paperwork before starting your claim.
2. Collect any existing VA correspondence or award letters you have received.
3. Pull together medical records related to your claim. For survivor claims, also gather the marriage certificate and the veteran's death certificate.
4. Find your local County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) through the CalVet website or your county government's website. Every California county has one, and the help is completely free.
5. Apply online through the CalVet website to connect with your local CVSO or CalVet district office.
6. Work with your accredited Veterans Service Officer — they will review your documents, file your initial claim or appeal, and represent you at no charge.

What to expect: After you submit your information, a County Veterans Service Office or CalVet representative will follow up to move your claim forward. Processing times vary, so ask your Veterans Service Officer for an estimate based on your specific claim type. There is no set renewal schedule for this free assistance — you can return to your local CVSO any time you need help with a new claim, an appeal, or a change in your VA rating. Remember, getting the right VA rating matters in California: it can unlock state benefits like the Disabled Veterans' Property Tax Exemption and reduced-fee licenses and parks passes. You never need to pay a private company to file a VA claim.