Bethesda VFW Service Officer Helps Veterans Claim Life-Changing Benefits

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is spotlighting Bethesda Veterans Service Officer Sonia Coley for helping veterans navigate the VA claims process with compassion, clarity and results.

One of the veterans Coley assisted came to her appointment carrying the mindset many service members know well — that pain was simply part of the job and asking for help was a sign of weakness. As she reviewed thousands of pages of his records, Coley realized the process felt overwhelming and shifted from paperwork to conversation, drawing on shared military experience to build trust. That connection helped him begin acknowledging conditions he had spent years minimizing.

Together, they documented the injuries and health issues tied to his long military career. When his claim was complete, he later called Coley to thank her for helping him secure a 100 percent Permanent and Total disability rating — a decision that brought him stability, healthcare and long-overdue validation.

Coley also earned praise from a retired brigadier general who said her steady guidance during his transition from military service brought confidence to an emotionally difficult process.

Her work reflects the mission of VFW’s National Veterans Service: ensuring veterans do not navigate the system alone.

As the largest organization of combat veterans, VFW understands the frustrations that can arise when veterans transition out of the military or file a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The claims process can be confusing and one that service members and veterans shouldn't try to navigate alone. That's why the VFW's National Veterans Service (NVS) was established to help all veterans, service members, their families and survivors.

NVS consists of a nationwide network of VFW Accredited Service Officers and Pre-Discharge Representatives who are experts in navigating VA processes and the key to your success. Don't fall victim to "claim sharks" - companies that illegally represent veterans through the VA claims process and can charge thousands for doing so. Our cadre of highly trained and professional advocates help veterans cut through bureaucratic red tape. VA reports veterans represented by the VFW have recouped $16.2 billion in compensation and pension on behalf of veterans and eligible family members in fiscal year 2025.

VFW Accredited Service Officers are trained experts, helping veterans develop their case with ease by reviewing and applying current law, pertinent legislation, regulations and medical histories. As skilled professionals, we assist in filing for disability compensation, rehabilitation and education programs, pension and death benefits, and employment and training programs. Furthermore, we won’t hesitate to request hearings before the VA and the Board of Veterans Appeals to present oral arguments when needed.

VFW Accredited Service Officers are with America's veterans every step of the way once they're ready to file a claim. This is a service the VFW is proud to offer -- FREE OF CHARGE -- to anyone seeking assistance with the claims process.

To find a VFW service officer near you, visit vfw.org/NVS