Claims Support

Chapter Service Officer (CSO) & Department Service Officer (DSO)

Chapter Service Officers (CSOs) work with the Department Service Officers (DSOs) and National Service Officers (NSOs) to help injured veterans gain access to essential support programs and vital benefits. CSOs are certified annually by the Baltimore Regional National Service office. CSOs and DSOs ensure that claimants have the necessary information they need to acquire benefits. All inquiries are forwarded to the National Service Office at the Baltimore Regional office.

Certified Department and Chapter Service Officers (DSO and CSOs) provide one of the most important links in the organization. They are responsible for providing accurate information related to benefits and services available to veterans, their dependents and survivors. The responsibility of DSOs and CSOs is to advise, instruct and counsel claimants and to aid in the preparation of claims for various benefits to which claimants may be entitled. When an inquiry is taken or after an appropriate VA form is completed, such information must immediately be forwarded to the National Service Office at Baltimore Regional office. In the state of Maryland, there are at least 35 certified CSOs hosted by 16 chapters. CSOs work under the authority and jurisdiction of their respective chapters. If you need help filing a claim with VA, contact your local CSO or regional DSO.