What can my County Veterans’ Officer do for me?

The Veteran Services Officer in Centerville, Tennessee, is Rick Humphree, whose office is located in City Hall at 102 E. Swan Street, Centerville, TN 37033. You can reach him by phone at (931)729-4246 x112. His office hours are M-Th, 8:00 - 4:00, with no appointment required. Navigating the benefits and services available to veterans is challenging. That's why the VSO is such an important role to help our veterans.

Rick was the Veteran Services Officer for Hickman County. His former office on the town square has moved to City Hall. Here are some of the things that the VSO does:

  • Emergency Housing Funds & Referrals
  • Emergency Food & Clothing Banks
  • Filing Claims
  • Home Loan Application Assistance
  • Veterans’ Community Resources
  • Mentoring

Services are free to currently serving military members,  veterans, and family members.

 

When to Get an Attorney

General Guidance

Initial Claims:  Veterans should consider using a VSO when filing initial VA benefit claims. VSOs provide free assistance and are knowledgeable about the claims process.

Complex Cases:  If the claim involves complex issues or requires detailed documentation, a VSO can help navigate these challenges effectively.

 

Advantages of Using a VSO

Cost-Free Services: VSOs offer their services at no cost, making them an accessible option for veterans seeking assistance.

Expertise: Many VSO representatives are veterans and have training in VA claims, which can help them understand the process.

 

When to Hire a VA-Accredited Attorney

Claim Denials:  If a veteran's claim has been denied, hiring an attorney may be beneficial. Attorneys can provide legal representation and help file appeals.

Legal Complexity:  For cases involving legal complexities, such as disputes over the interpretation of laws or regulations, an attorney's expertise is essential.

Advantages of Hiring an Attorney

Legal Representation:  Attorneys can represent veterans at hearings and on appeals, strengthening their legal arguments for their claims.

Fee Structure:  While attorneys charge fees, they can often help secure larger settlements or benefits that offset those costs.

 

Summary of Considerations

  • Cost Free Fees apply
  • Best for Initial claims, denied claims, or complex cases
  • Expertise Trained in VA claims Legal representation
  • Representation limited to the claims process
  • Full legal representation
  • Choosing between a VSO and an attorney depends on the veteran's specific needs and the complexity of their case.