Interview, advice, and assist Veterans and/or dependents to determine the nature of requested benefits. We provide general information about Veteran benefits and answer all questions.

Gather and verify information on veterans, deceased Veterans, active-duty personnel, and dependents regarding potential benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. We assist with locating missing documents such as DD Form 214, Military Personnel File, awards and decorations, Military service treatment records (STRs), etc

Prepare all necessary VA forms required to apply for Compensation Claims for service-connected disabilities. This includes Veteran Pensions, Aid and Attendance, Housebound and Special Monthly Compensation. We submit claims directly to the VA and follow up on claims to ensure they’re processed in a timely and efficient manner.

Prepare all necessary VA forms required to apply for Surviving Spouse Claims. This includes Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Surviving Spouse Pensions, and Aid and Attendance. We submit the claims directly to VA and follow up on claims to ensure they’re processed in a timely and efficient manner.

Prepare and assist with applying for VA Health Care Benefits for Veterans and assist family members with applying for CHAMP VA Benefits and Health Care.

Prepare and assist with applying for death and burial benefits for Veterans and their family members. This includes burial in National and State Cemeteries, burial reimbursements, headstones, Presidential Certificates, etc. We have a close relationship with Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Prepare and assist Veterans and their family members with required educational documents for all required education benefits to include all GI Bills, Chapter 33, Chapter 35,

Prepare all necessary VA forms required to apply housing grants for Veterans with certain disabilities so they can buy or change a home to meet their needs. For example, installing ramps, stairlift, widening doorways, etc.

Maintain relationships in the veteran communities such as VA Eastern Colorado Health Care, VA Clinics, Colorado Division of Veteran Affairs, Vet Centers, All Health Network, Veteran Non-Profit organizations, local hospitals, local first responders, etc. We specialize all VA benefits and act as an in-house resource expert for all veteran services.

Maintain the ARPA funded Mental Health Veteran Program. We participate in Douglas County Mental Health Initiative, Douglas County Homeless Initiative, and participate in activities relevant to serving veteran populations related to mental health. Participate in periodic monthly meetings with All Health Network to assess the functioning of the program to include the referral and intake process, as well as define and monitor programmatic data, billing, and payment. Under the program, we have had over 100 Douglas County Veterans treated and 52 are currently still receiving treatment.

Promote the benefits of using the County Veteran Services in the local community. Performs outreach activities as needed to inform the veteran community of available VA benefits. This includes organizations such as Veteran organizations, retirement communities, Town Hall Meetings, Congressional and Legislative Offices, etc.

Assist Veterans and their family members with Douglas County DMV and County Assessor requirements for disabled veteran plates and property tax exemptions. Communicate, discuss changes, and work closely with the DMV and County Assessor’s Office regarding Veteran Benefits.

Manage the Veterans Assistance Grant to provide emergency or urgent financial assistance to veterans and their families. Work closely with VA Homeless Programs to assist Veterans. Partner with DCVMF for additional financial assistance to veterans for emergency or urgent needs. We provide about 70% of the Veteran referrals to DCVMF that they assist.

Maintains current knowledge of the Department of Veterans Affairs' legislation, regulations, and precedents related to veteran benefits. Maintains file of appropriate reference materials.

VSOs must follow policies, procedures, and maintain compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. They must maintain their yearly accreditation with the VA Office of General Counsel and through the Colorado Department of Veteran Affairs and National Association of County Veteran Service Officers.

The VFW's National Veterans Service (NVS) consists of a nationwide network of VFW Accredited Service Officers and Pre-Discharge Representatives who are experts in navigating VA processes and the key to your success.

VFW Pre-Discharge representatives guide military personnel through the VA claims process and can assist with the preparation and submission of forms and evidence to VA prior to separation from active duty. They can also answer questions about VA benefits and entitlements.

The VFW’s Unmet Needs program is here to help America's active-duty service members (to include activated Guard/Reserve members) and their families who have run into unexpected financial difficulties because of deployment or other military-related activity or injury. The program provides financial assistance up to $2,500 to assist daily necessities in the form of a grant – not a loan – so no repayment is required. To further ease the burden, we pay the creditor(s) directly.

The VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" provides service members and veterans with the financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt. Scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded to qualified applicants.

The VFW's Student Veteran Support Grant offers much needed assistance to support specific student veteran events.

The VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship grants exemplary student veterans (Fellows) the chance to join the VFW legislative team on Capitol Hill during the VFW Legislative Conference hosted in early spring each year.

Mental Wellness education and support

Monthly Post meetings and regular community events

Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen competitions that both provide a college scholarship to the winners

The Military Assistance Program (MAP) is the outstretched hand between the local VFW and military community, offering support around the world.

The VFW, America’s largest organization of combat veterans has teamed up with KC Crew to offer our nation’s veterans a seamless and innovative way to connect – Combat Tested Gaming leagues!

The DCVMF's Veterans Assistance Grant program provides up to $2,000 for eligible Douglas County Veterans and are designed to help where there may be a gap or where the other programs may be falling short.

Volunteer opportunities at local events.

Monthly Post meetings and regular community events

Veterans Benefits - The American Legion helps veterans and families understand and apply for benefits.

Veterans Careers - The American Legion helps veterans find employers who understand their skills and values.

Veterans Education - The American Legion assists veterans in accessing educational opportunities that leverage their skills and experiences.

Veterans Health - Services and advocacy for veterans who earned and deserve timely, high-quality care.

American Youth programs - including Legion Baseball, sponosorship to Boys and Girls State, our Oratorical Contest, and Youth Cadet Law Enforcement programs

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship designed to fulfill a financial gap remaining after all federal and state educational grants/scholarships available to an eligible applicant have been utilized. The 2025-26 tuition is capped at $28,937.09 which is the maximum amount the VA will pay out per academic year. Children of fallen Veterans and Veterans with a VA disbaility rating of 50% or higher may apply.