Find a Free VSO in Albany, New York
Find Veterans Service Officers serving veterans in Albany.
VSO assistance is free. A VSO should never take a percentage of your VA disability benefits or back pay.
There are 13 VA-accredited VSO offices listed for veterans in Albany, New York, representing 4 organizations such as American Legion, Jewish War Veterans of the USA and New York State Department of Veterans' Services. A Veterans Service Officer in Albany can help with VA disability claims, appeals, decision letters, and other benefits at no charge.
Free VA claim help usually starts with a short intake: the VSO reviews your discharge papers and records, explains which claim type fits your situation, and helps you complete and submit VA forms. Bring your documents to the first visit to save time.
VSO Offices in Albany
American Legion
Albany, NY, 12203 · Albany County
5 accredited representatives: Cheyenne K Lovell; Daniel J Engel; Scott C Leslie; Skye C Schweit; Thomas G Eckl
202-861-2700
Appointments: contact office for details
Hours: contact office for details
VA-accredited (per VA Office of General Counsel) · Last verified 9/28/2026
American Legion
Albany, NY, 12211 · Albany County
Accredited representative: Alexander Restifo
202-861-2700
Appointments: contact office for details
Hours: contact office for details
VA-accredited (per VA Office of General Counsel) · Last verified 9/28/2026
American Legion
Albany, NY, 12210 · Albany County
Accredited representative: James M Ader
202-861-2700
Appointments: contact office for details
Hours: contact office for details
VA-accredited (per VA Office of General Counsel) · Last verified 9/28/2026
Jewish War Veterans of the USA
Albany, NY, 12210 · Albany County
Accredited representative: James M Ader
202-565-5122
Appointments: contact office for details
Hours: contact office for details
VA-accredited (per VA Office of General Counsel) · Last verified 9/28/2026
New York State Department of Veterans' Services
Albany, NY, 12223 · Albany County
8 accredited representatives: Benjamin P Pomerance; Buck W McTee; Jason K Chakot; Paul E Stote; Stephen R Roy; Suzanne M Beaton; Vicki P Revander; Welby Alcantara
518-474-6114
Appointments: contact office for details
Hours: contact office for details
VA-accredited (per VA Office of General Counsel) · Last verified 9/28/2026
New York State Department of Veterans' Services
Albany, NY, 12205 · Albany County
Accredited representative: Michael C Pietro
518-474-6114
Appointments: contact office for details
Hours: contact office for details
VA-accredited (per VA Office of General Counsel) · Last verified 9/28/2026
New York State Department of Veterans' Services
Albany, NY, 12207 · Albany County
Accredited representative: Robert B Cherry
518-474-6114
Appointments: contact office for details
Hours: contact office for details
VA-accredited (per VA Office of General Counsel) · Last verified 9/28/2026
New York State Department of Veterans' Services
Albany, NY, 12208 · Albany County
3 accredited representatives: Anthony R Sansone; Mark R Sollohub; Nicholas J Ferrara
518-474-6114
Appointments: contact office for details
Hours: contact office for details
VA-accredited (per VA Office of General Counsel) · Last verified 9/28/2026
New York State Department of Veterans' Services
Albany, NY, 12211 · Albany County
Accredited representative: Alexander Restifo
518-474-6114
Appointments: contact office for details
Hours: contact office for details
VA-accredited (per VA Office of General Counsel) · Last verified 9/28/2026
New York State Department of Veterans' Services
Albany, NY, 12203 · Albany County
Accredited representative: Scott C Leslie
518-474-6114
Appointments: contact office for details
Hours: contact office for details
VA-accredited (per VA Office of General Counsel) · Last verified 9/28/2026
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Albany, NY, 12208 · Albany County
2 accredited representatives: Destiny M Ramos; Stephen J Junkins
202-543-2239
Appointments: contact office for details
Hours: contact office for details
VA-accredited (per VA Office of General Counsel) · Last verified 9/28/2026
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Albany, NY, 12210 · Albany County
Accredited representative: James M Ader
202-543-2239
Appointments: contact office for details
Hours: contact office for details
VA-accredited (per VA Office of General Counsel) · Last verified 9/28/2026
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Albany, NY, 12223 · Albany County
Accredited representative: Paul E Stote
202-543-2239
Appointments: contact office for details
Hours: contact office for details
VA-accredited (per VA Office of General Counsel) · Last verified 9/28/2026
Other Cities in New York
VSO Appointment Checklist
- DD-214 or discharge documents
- VA decision letters
- Service treatment records
- Civilian medical records
- Current diagnosis information
- Medication list
- Marriage/dependent information if relevant
- Statements from family, friends, or coworkers
- Any previous DBQs or C&P examination records
- List of conditions you want to discuss
Frequently Asked Questions About VSOs
What is a VSO?
A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a representative of a veterans service organization, state, county, or tribal office who is accredited by the VA to help veterans prepare, file, and follow up on claims for VA benefits.
Is a VSO free?
Yes. Accredited VSO representatives help veterans at no charge. A VSO should never ask for a fee or a percentage of your VA disability benefits or back pay.
Can a VSO help with a VA disability claim?
Yes. A VSO can help you file an initial disability claim, gather and organize evidence, complete VA forms, and track the claim after it is submitted.
How do I find a VSO in Albany?
Browse the office listings on this page for Albany, call the office to confirm hours and appointment requirements, and verify accreditation on VA.gov before appointing a representative.
Can a VSO help with a VA appeal?
Yes. VSOs commonly help with Supplemental Claims and Higher-Level Reviews, and many can assist with Board of Veterans' Appeals filings.
What should I bring to my VSO appointment?
Bring your DD-214, any VA decision letters, service treatment records, civilian medical records, a medication list, dependent information if relevant, and a list of the conditions you want to discuss.
How do I know if a VSO is VA accredited?
Search the representative or organization in the VA Office of General Counsel accreditation search on VA.gov. Accreditation can change, so confirm it before signing a VA Form 21-22.
Can I change my VSO?
Yes. You can appoint a different accredited representative at any time by submitting a new VA Form 21-22 (organization) or 21-22a (individual), which replaces the prior appointment.
Prepare Before You Meet With Your VSO
StratForge can help you organize your records, understand VA decision letters, prepare for C&P exams, and create personal statements before your VSO appointment. The VSO directory itself is always free.
Directory last updated: September 28, 2026
StratForge is an independent veteran resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Accreditation information can change, so veterans should verify current accreditation through VA.gov before appointing a representative.
Accreditation data: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of General Counsel. ZIP-to-county matching (U.S. Census Bureau) is used only to estimate location, never to determine accreditation.