National and State Service Officers

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National and State Service Officers
About

National Service Officers (NSO), to include those that represent the state, work as a liaison between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers to determine the best plan for veterans and their dependents to receive benefits. Veterans and their dependents may work directly with an NSO also.

NSOs are employed by and work for Veterans Organizations or the state.  NSOs act as power-of-attorney, at the request of the veteran, and represent veterans and/or their dependents with benefits claims submitted to the US VA.  A veteran IS NOT required to be a member of the organization to have them serve as their representative.

These services are provided at NO CHARGE to the veteran and their dependents.

Find a National/State Service Officer

NDDVA/AMVETS

Main Office
4201 38th Street SW
Suite 104
Fargo, ND 58104-7535

701-239-7165

Fargo VA Regional Office (VARO)
2101 North Elm Street
Rooms 208 and 209
Fargo, ND 58102

Bryan Watters (Main Office)
Tom Webb (VARO)
Calie Lindseth (VARO)
Shelby Moen (VARO)

American Legion

Fargo VA Regional Office
2101 N Elm Street
Room 210
Fargo, ND 58102

701-451-4646

Summer Kristianson

DAV

Fargo VA Regional Office
2101 N Elm Street
Room 206
Fargo, ND 58102

701-451-4636

Matt Herrud
Aryn Mohs

VFW

Fargo VA Regional Office
2101 N Elm Street
Room 205
Fargo, ND 58102

701-451-4635

James Prentice

County Veterans Service Officers

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County Veterans Service Officers
About

County Veterans Service Officer (VSO’s) are your local resource for dedicated and professional assistance in obtaining federal and state veterans’ benefits.  They provide the expertise and advocacy that veterans need to optimize access to benefit programs. 

County VSO’s handle inquiries and applications regarding veterans’ health care, compensation, pension, long-term care and other benefits for veterans of all ages. Burial benefit assistance is provided to the survivors of veterans.  Widows and widowers of veterans are eligible for many state benefits, and in limited cases, federal benefits.  County VSO’s are there to assist them as well.

Most of the programs veterans utilize are offered through the US Department of Veterans Affairs or the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. County VSO’s are in contact with these agencies on a regular basis.  They also work with the National Service Officers of various veterans’ organizations when filing VA benefit claims.  County VSO’s also interact with other county, state, and federal government agencies that also provide resources or assistance to veterans.

The County VSO's and staff are employees of their respective counties.  Each County is required by law to appoint and pay the expenses of a VSO as provided by NDCC 37-14-18 and NDCC 37-14-19.  Funding is provided by county property tax per NDCC 57-15-06.4 and NDCC 57-15-06.7 (7)

These services are provided at NO CHARGE to Veterans and their dependents.

Tribal Veterans Service Officers

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Tribal Veterans Service Officers
About

Tribal VSO’s are your local resource for dedicated and professional assistance in obtaining federal and state veterans’ benefits.  They provide the expertise and advocacy that veterans need to optimize access to benefit programs. 

Tribal VSO’s handle inquiries and applications regarding veterans’ health care, compensation, pension, long-term care and other benefits for veterans of all ages. Burial benefit assistance is provided to the survivors of veterans.  Widows and widowers of veterans are eligible for many state benefits, and in limited cases, federal benefits.  Tribal VSO’s are there to assist them as well.

Most of the programs veterans utilize are offered through the US Department of Veterans Affairs or the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. Tribal VSO’s are in contact with these agencies on a regular basis.  They also work with the National Service Officers of various veterans’ organizations when filing VA benefit claims.  Tribal VSO’s also interact with other tribal, state, and federal government agencies that also provide resources or assistance to veterans.

The Tribal Veterans Service Officer and staff are employees of their respective tribe.

These services are provided at NO CHARGE to Veterans and their dependents.

Service Officer Code of Ethics

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Service Officer Code of Ethics
  • Confidential information, whether supplied by the veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or other parties shall remain confidential and will not be released or discussed except to those personally connected to the case with a need to know in order to assist the veteran or the veteran’s dependents.
  • The Service Officer will prepare and perfect all claims to the best of his/her ability with the intent of affording the claimant the benefits to which they are entitled. The Service Officer must insure that all information is true and factual to the best of his/her knowledge.
  • The Service Officer shall maintain high professional standards in dealing with other service officers, (federal, state, and local) and other persons and agencies as necessary in service to his/her client.
  • The Service Officer will provide services without prejudice to all persons making a claim to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • The Service Officer will, to the best of his/her ability, maintain a working knowledge of all rules and regulations concerning veterans’ benefits and will strive to keep such knowledge updated in light of constantly changing laws and regulations.
  • Veterans Service Officers should not, under any circumstances, accept remuneration in cash or other form for services rendered.
  • Veterans Service Officers should not, under any circumstances, serve as guardians, committees, or fiduciaries for any other individuals receiving benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs or any other agency.