Veteran Services

Veteran Services

You can meet with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) at the Veterans Memorial Hall on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Thursdays and the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 9 am to 2 pm. No appointment is necessary.

If you have any questions, contact the Merced County Veterans Service Office at 209-385-7588 to speak with a representative.

The Veteran Service Officer can assist you with:

  • Applying for all VA benefits (Veteran and dependent benefits)
  • Filing VA forms
  • Advocating for Veterans to the VA
  • Verifying Veteran Status
  • Answering VA and Veteran Questions
  • Referring to Veterans Treatment Court

We do not provide these services, but can refer you to help in these areas:

  • Legal Assistance (wills, powers of attorney, criminal case help, child custody cases)
  • Job Placement

Merced County Veterans Services Office

The California Veterans Service Office (CVSO) provides a wide range of assistance to veterans and their families. CVSOs are trained and accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) and other Veterans Service Organizations. They can help with USDVA claims and answer questions about both state and federal benefits.

 

Who we Serve

By statute, a Veteran is defined as a “person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.”- Title 38 US Code Veterans’ Benefits.  Our office serves:

  • Veterans & Active Duty Military
  • Military Spouses
  • Widowed Spouses
  • Dependents of Veterans

How we Serve

  • Service Connected Disability: Claims, Appeals, Counseling
  • VA Healthcare Referrals
  • Mental Health Referrals
  • Veteran/Widow Pension
  • CA College Tuition Fee Waivers
  • Homeless Veteran Services & Referrals
  • Death & Burial Benefits
  • Educational Benefits for the Veterans & their Families
  • Vocational Rehabilitation

Disability Compensation Benefits

  • This is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to veterans with disabilities that are the result of a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service
  • Compensation may also be paid for post-service disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service.
  • Free healthcare for service-connected conditions

Pension Benefits

  • This benefit helps Veterans and their families cope with financial challenges by providing supplemental income through the Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension benefit programs. This benefit is available to both the veteran and dependents and is based on income.
  • 90 days of active duty service with one day of wartime era
  • Veteran must be 65 or older or totally disabled from non-service connected conditions

Education Benefits for Veterans

The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) provides up to 36 months of education benefits while paying you BAH

  • 100% benefit after 36 months of active service
  • Expires after 15 years for those who’s last release from active duty before January 1, 2013
  • Does not expire for those who’s last release from active duty on or after January 1, 2013.

Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act “Forever GI Bill” 

  • Brings significant changes to Veterans education benefits over the coming years. Most are enhanced or expanded education benefits.