Veteran Service Office

The Clackamas County Veteran Service Office (VSO) helps veterans, service members, and their families understand and apply for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. We are not a VA facility, but we work closely with the VA to support veterans in our community. 

Appointments only. Walk-ins are not available. All services are provided by appointment. 

Due to recent changes at the VA, we are currently serving a higher number of clients. Appointment wait times are typically four to five weeks. Our staff appreciate your patience as we work to meet community needs. 

Call: 503-650-5631 
Email: veterans@clackamas.us 

Aggressive or abusive behavior toward staff or others will not be tolerated.

What we do

Our trained Veteran Service Officers help with:

  • Filing VA disability compensation claims
  • Understanding changes to VA-covered health conditions
  • Identifying federal and state veteran benefits you may qualify for
  • Connecting you with partner organizations and community resources

VA eligibility rules change over time. Even if you were denied benefits in the past, you may qualify now. 
 

Who We Serve

Anyone who has served in the U.S. military may be eligible for benefits. Eligibility varies by program, and our staff can help determine what you qualify for.

We place special focus on supporting:

  • Veterans transitioning to civilian life 
  • Gulf War veterans with chronic or unexplained health conditions 
  • Vietnam-era veterans, including Navy “Blue Water” veterans, whose service-related conditions may now be recognized

How To Get Service

To get started, make an appointment by calling 503-650-5631 or emailing veterans@clackamas.us

Office hours: Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed noon–1 p.m.)

You may be asked to bring documents such as:

  • Proof of military service (DD214)
  • Medical records or provider contact information
  • Marriage or dependent information
  • Financial records, depending on the benefit requested

If you’re missing documents, we can help you request them.

 

Additional Support

We can also assist or provide guidance with:

  • Burial and survivor benefits
  • Military records requests
  • Adding or removing dependents
  • Direct deposit updates
  • Other County, State, and Federal Veterans-related benefits and services

Veterans who live outside Oregon cannot be represented by our office, but we can help connect you with a Veteran Service Officer in your state.

Veterans Advisory Council

The Clackamas County Veterans Advisory Council advises county leadership on issues affecting veterans, their families, and dependents, helping ensure veteran needs are recognized and addressed.

Veterans Advisory Council

The Clackamas County Veterans Advisory Council advises the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners and the Department of Health, Housing and Human Services on all matters relating to issues and services affecting veterans, their families and dependents, ensuring their needs are recognized and addressed in a timely manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed for lunch from Noon to 1 p.m.
Phone: 503-650-5631
Email: Veterans@clackamas.us
Address: 2051 Kaen Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045

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Bring what you have. Common items include:

  • DD214 (proof of military service)
  • Medical records or provider contact information
  • Marriage or dependent information (if applicable)

For some benefits, you may also need financial information. If you’re missing documents, we can help you request them.
 

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Most claims take 6–12 months. Processing time depends on your claim. The VA will send updates by mail. You can also check your status by calling 1-800-827-1000.

 

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The VA may schedule a medical exam with a contracted provider to help decide your claim. You’ll receive instructions directly from the VA or the contractor.

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We may already have a copy if we helped with your claim. We can also help you request one from the National Archives, or you can request it online.

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Funeral homes can help arrange VA burial benefits. We can also help you apply for burial allowances and survivor benefits. An appointment is required.

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You can request records from the National Archives online or by form. We can provide the form and fax it for you.

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We do not assist with discharge upgrades. We can help with a VA Character of Service review if you are applying for benefits.

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VA Health ID: Contact your local VA medical center to apply for VA Healthcare.  If approved the VA may give you a VA Health ID

Digital Veteran ID Card: Apply online at VA.gov or email vetidcard@va.gov

You may also add veteran status to your Oregon driver’s license at the DMV

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Oregon veterans may qualify for Oregon or federal VA home loans. Certificates of Eligibility can be requested through VA.gov , a lender, or the VA.

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You can update direct deposit:

By calling the VA at 800-827-1000

Through your VA.gov account

By submitting a VA direct deposit form (we can help)

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If you receive 30% or higher service-connected disability, keep your dependents updated. We can help during an appointment, or you can update this on VA.gov 

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You can download one from VA.gov. If we represented you, we may also be able to retrieve a copy.

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No. VA compensation, pension, and DIC benefits are not taxable, and you will not receive a 1099.

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Aid and Attendance is not a separate benefit. It is added to certain VA benefits if you qualify.

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Schedule an appointment with a Veteran Service Officer to discuss burial and survivor benefits.

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No. We can only represent veterans who live in Oregon, but we can help you find a VSO in your new state.

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If you have a service connected dental condition, were a POW, making the request within 180 days after discharge if you did not receive prior to discharge (one time), a dental condition that impacts a SC condition, are receiving VR&E or you receiving 100% service-connected disability, or receive Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) you could be eligible to receive dental through the VA Medical Center.

In November of 2022, the Oregon Veteran Dental Program was created by House Bill 4095. The program is administered in partnership by the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Department of Human Services. For more information go to the Oregon Veteran Dental Fact Sheet.

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Visit the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs website for state and federal benefit information.

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Phone:503-650-5631
Email:veterans@clackamas.us

2051 Kaen Road Suite 281 Oregon City, OR 97045

Office Hours:

Monday to Thursday
7 a.m. to 5 p.m.