Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission

PLATOON POST / YOUR VOICE MATTERS - https://mailchi.mp/cuyahogavets/newsletter-4886993

We will be closed today at 2:30 & Closed tomorrow for an event. We will resume normal business hours Monday, April 27.

CLAIM SHARKS VS VSOs: Know the Difference.

A claim shark is usually an unaccredited consultant or company that charges veterans for claims help while operating outside the standards required by VA. They often market themselves aggressively, promise results they cannot guarantee, and profit from a veteran’s uncertainty.

A Veteran Service Officer (VSO) is a trained, accredited representative who helps veterans file claims, build supporting evidence, navigate appeals, and understand their options. VSOs work within the system, know the process, and provide that help at no cost.

Here’s the difference:

A claim shark may promise to “get you more.” A VSO helps you get it done the right way.

A claim shark may ask for fees, future benefits, or sensitive account access .A VSO is there to protect your interests, not profit from them.

A claim shark works off pressure and promises. A VSO works off training, accreditation, and service.

Watch for red flags:

Guarantees of a higher rating

Promises to speed up the claim

Requests for your VA login or bank information

Upfront fees or contracts tied to future benefits

If someone is selling certainty, charging for access, or asking for information they should not need, slow down and ask questions.

At CCVSC, our Veteran Service Officers are here to give you trusted, accredited help—free of charge. Before signing anything or paying anyone, talk to a VSO first.

We will be closed this Friday.
We apologize for any inconvenience in advance.
We will resume regular business hours on Monday April , 2026

We will be closed this Friday.
We will resume regular business hours on Monday April 13, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission
will be closing today at 11:00 AM.

Please plan accordingly.
We will resume normal business hours on the next business day.

Our board meetings are open to the public—an opportunity to stay informed, hear updates, and understand how we continue to support veterans across Cuyahoga County. Full meeting details are available in the graphic.

Welcome home. 🇺🇸

Today, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of our Vietnam Veterans.

For many, the recognition you deserved didn’t come when it should have—but today, and every day, we stand to say: we see you, we thank you, and we honor you.

Your service shaped a generation.
Your strength carried a nation.

And to our POW/MIA—you are not forgotten.

From all of us at CCVSC,
welcome home… and thank you for your service.

⸻

Vietnam Veterans, we honor you today and always.
If you or someone you know served, drop a 🇺🇸 in the comments.