Veterans Services
The Osceola County Veterans' Services Office (OCVSO), is led by an accredited County Veteran Service Officer who assists veterans, active U.S. Armed Forces members, their dependents, and the families of deceased veterans.
The OCVSO helps these individuals access benefits under federal, state, and local laws due to their military service. Note that this office is part of the County government, not the Veteran Affairs (VA).
The Osceola County Veterans' Services Office staff meets or exceeds the requirements of Florida Statute 292.11 and maintains the following accreditations:
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
- American Legion
- Disabled American Veterans
Veteran Services Osceola Florida
Appeals
We guide veterans through the three options under the Appeals Modernization Act (AMA):
- Supplemental Claim
- Higher-Level Review
- or Notice of Disagreement
Each option has a specific purpose and you have one year from a rating decision to file. If your appeal is denied by the Board of Veterans Appeals, you'll need a lawyer.
Burial Benefits Claims
We handle all VA claims forms for burial benefits. Please provide a paid-in-full receipt of the services and a long-form death certificate indicating the cause of death.
Disability Claims Processing
We help with all VA forms required for a VA disability claim, which covers any injury or disease acquired while in service. Please bring your discharge and service medical treatment records if available.
Educational Claims Processing
We assist with various education forms. The process begins at the educational institution where you choose your training or degree program.
Home Loan Program
We need a copy of your DD 214 and/or HUD 1 to complete the home loan guarantee. The VA guarantees loan repayment if you're unable to repay it. You must still qualify for the loan on your own.
Pension and Widows Pension Processing
VA pensions require wartime service, disability-preventing work, and meeting income and net worth qualifications.
Veterans over 65 meet the disability requirement. Widows must meet income qualifications.
Documents needed include discharge papers, proof of all income sources and net worth, and a doctor's letter stating medical conditions.
Accreditation Search
You can access the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Search to research accredited attorneys, claims agents, or Veterans Service Organizations (VSO) Representatives.
Visit The VA Accreditation Search
Benefits Claims Process
See a visual depiction of the Veterans Benefits Claims Process(PNG, 223KB).
First-Time Claims Timeline
0 Months
- Informal claim, request all service documents
3-6 Months
- Returns to review all documents
- Provide medical opinion letters to support the claim
- Formalize claim
2-3 Months
- Vet receives Veterans Claims Assistance Act letter (VCAA)
3-12 Months
- The veteran is scheduled for a Compensation and Pension Exam (C&P)
12-24 Months (1-2 Years)
- Veterans receive Rating Decision (RD)
Appeals Timeline
2 Months
- Complete a Notice of Disagreement (NOD) for the Decision Review Officer
- Complete formal appeal to the Board of Veterans Appeal (BVA)
- If the BVA sends your case back for further review (BVA Remand), be prepared for one of the following:
- A new Rating Decision (RD) or Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC)
- Complete another Notice of Disagreement (NOD) if necessary
12 Months
- Complete a traditional NOD
18-24 Months (1.5-2 Years)
- Receive a Statement of the Case (SOC)
36 Months (3 Years)
- Receive RD or denial letter
60 Months (5 Years)
- Appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeal for Veterans claim (requires use of lawyer)
Additional Veteran-Related Resources