What is a Veteran Support Officer?

A Veteran Support Officer (VSO) is an adviser who provides personalised support and guidance to serving ADF members and their families.

What VSOs do

Transcript of Veteran Support Officers

Veteran Support Officers (VSOs) are DVA staff members. They are located on Defence bases around Australia.

VSOs deliver services through one-on-one appointments. They tailor advice and support to your individual circumstances.

A VSO can:

• tell you about the support we offer
• help you apply for benefits and services
• offer advice about how DVA support can assist you transition into civilian life
• show you how to use MyService and other online services.

They can also help you submit a claim for any service-related health condition while you are still serving. This will make it easier for you to access services and support when you leave the ADF.

Who they help

VSOs are available to help all serving members of the ADF and their families, including reservists. This includes members who are not leaving the forces. You do not have to be transitioning.

Why reach out to a VSO

It is important to engage with DVA throughout your military career and learn how we can help you.

You should get in touch with a VSO if you:

• are injured or unwell
• are medically or administratively separating
• have been medically downgraded at any time
• have been deployed at any time
• have come home from an exercise or deployment early because of injury or illness
• have any questions about the services and support we offer to you and your family.

How to contact them

There are Veteran Support Officers on more than 50 bases around Australia. They are usually located at either the Joint Health Command Facility or near the Transition Cell on your base. You can make an appointment by sending an email to VSO [at] dva.gov.au with your:

• full name and date of birth
• PMKeys number
• preferred telephone number
• base
• state or territory.

You should tell us if you are transitioning out of the ADF in the next 6 months.

If you prefer, you can call us on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372).

What to do before your appointment

We will send you a consent form after you book your appointment. Please sign this form beforehand and bring it with you.

We encourage you to sign up to MyService before you come so we can show you how to get the most out it. Or we can help you sign up.

You are welcome to bring a support person with you.