Greetings, VFW Leaders:

Attached you will find a memo detailing the changes adopted by the National Council of Administration during the 125^th VFW National Convention that changes Section 218(12) of the VFW Manual of Procedure pertaining to Post Service Officers (PSOs).

Please address any questions related to this change to NVS Deputy Director Chris Macinkowicz cmacinkowicz@vfw.org

Respectfully,

Michael S. Figlioli

Director, National Veterans Service (NVS)

VFW Washington Office

200 Maryland Ave., N.E.

Washington, D.C. 20002

Office: 202.608.8373

Cell: 202.285.9133
Fax: 202.547.3196

VA ACCREDITATION # 9208

Subject: Post Service Officer Duty Changes
Memorandum

With the advent of modern technologies such as virtual appointments and videoconferencing,
our accredited representatives can provide professional representation regardless of location,
eliminating the necessity for Post Service Officers (PSOs) to provide advice on Federal benefits
at the Post level. Consequently, as a result of the changes adopted by the Council of
Administration during the 2024 VFW National Convention, the following changes to
Section 218 (12), VFW Manual of Procedure are effective immediately:
The Post Service Officer shall advise members of the Post, their family members and survivors
of benefits and services that are available in the local community such as homeless
services, employment opportunities, and companies that offer discounted goods or services to
veterans.
*(The PSO will advise/assist with benefits that are available in their community. They are not
accredited and therefore not authorized to provide advice, prepare, or submit claims for VA or other
Federal benefits.)
The Post Service Officer shall direct individuals seeking Federal benefits assistance to
the Department Service Officer.
*(Advice and/or assistance with VA or other Federal benefits are the responsibility of the DSO and
their accredited staff. PSOs will refer these requests for assistance directly to the DSO to ensure
veterans receive the advice and service they deserve from our accredited representatives who are
aware of current laws and trends.)

The work of a Post Service Officer shall be performed in accordance with the instructions
contained in the VFW Guide for Post Service Officers under the general supervision of the
Post Commander. The Post Service Officer shall perform other duties as may be incident to the
office and as may from time to time be required by the laws and usages of this organization or
lawful orders from proper authority.
*(No significant change to this section, although changes will be made to the VFW Guide for Post
Service Officers to reflect the new duties of the PSO. A revised PSO guide is currently being developed
and will be distributed promptly upon completion.)
The intention is not to increase the workload for DSOs and their staff, nor do we expect such an
increase, but to ensure that veterans receive timely and accurate guidance regarding the VA
and Federal benefits they have rightfully earned through their service to our Nation. We
anticipate a reduction in improperly prepared forms and decreased confusion among veterans if
they have received advice from a PSO who is not fully informed of or in touch with the latest
VA regulations. This may also eliminate the need for DSOs to train PSOs, thereby allowing
more time to focus on assisting veterans with their claims.
These changes are designed to uphold our motto: “No One Does More for Veterans.” By
creating a local network of support, we will ensure that veterans receive essential guidance and
life advice from local experts, and that VA benefits advice and assistance are provided by our
highly trained, professional, and accredited benefits advocates.
Please address any questions related to these changes to Chris Macinkowicz, Deputy Director,
NVS (cmacinkowicz@vfw.org).
Respectfully,

Michael S.P. Figlioli
Director, National Veterans Service