We are excited to announce the re-launch of our American Legion Accreditation & Training School, a comprehensive program designed to empower both future and current Department Service Officers (DSOs) on their journey to accreditation through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and beyond. This initiative signifies a significant restructuring and renaming of our DSO School, offering a streamlined, flexible, and impactful approach to training and development.
Why the change?
- Clear focus on Accreditation & Education: "American Legion Accreditation Training " explicitly conveys the program's focus on equipping service officers with the knowledge and skills necessary for VA accreditation and beyond. This resonates with both aspiring and existing accredited service officers seeking continuing education in the field.
- Accreditation: Service officers are only eligible for this program if they are accredited or planning to be accredited. Post service officers are not eligible to take this training.
- New Branding: "American Legion Accreditation & Training " is clear on the focus and end goal of the program.
- Structure: The modules within the training classes will be delivered in the same manner, however, the structure of classes will change. Starting in January 2024 the structure illustrated below will be implemented.
New Course Structure
- VA Disability Claims Processing: Beginner /101 (Formerly named NSO School):
- Foundational knowledge and skills for VA accreditation.
- Interactive modules on claims processing, eligibility, appeals, and more.
- Self-paced learning with flexible scheduling.
- Offered nine times per year.
- Nominations from Department Adjutants required.
- VA Disability Claims Processing: Intermediate /201 (Formerly named DSO School):
- Dates: March 4-24, 2024 (one session per year).
- Virtual school format.
- Deepens expertise in advanced claims strategies and appeals.
- Masters complex case studies and hones decision-making skills.
- Dates for TAL testing to be confirmed.
- Nominations from Department Adjutants required.
- Pre-requisite: VA Disability Claims Processing 101.
- VA Disability Claims Processing: Appeals/202 (Formerly named Appeals School in 2024):
- Continuous professional development for actively serving service officers.
- Begins March 2025, offered once per year.
- Focuses on staying sharp and adapting to evolving regulations.
- Nominations from Department Adjutants required.
- Pre-requisite: VA Disability Claims Processing 101.
- Pre-requisite: VA Disability Claims Processing 201.
- VA Disability Claims Processing Symposium/301:
- Dates: October 20-25, 2024, in-person
- Held once a year.
- Fosters camaraderie and strengthens the network of American Legion service officers nationwide.
- Nominations from Department Adjutants required.
- National Legion covers the cost for one service officer from each Department.
- Pre-requisite: VA Disability Claims Processing 101.
- Pre-requisite: VA Disability Claims Processing 201
- Pre-requisite: VA Disability Claims Processing 202
Benefits of American Legion Accreditation Training:
- Increased Accreditation Rates: Streamlined curriculum and expert guidance improve success rates.
- Enhanced Service Delivery: Confident and knowledgeable service officers advocate more effectively for veterans.
- Lifelong Learning: Continuous development ensures service officers stay ahead of the curve and serve veterans better.
- Stronger Legion Network: Collaborative learning at the Symposium builds a stronger, united network of service officers.
We believe American Legion Accreditation Trainingwill continue to empower service officers in serving veterans and strengthening the American Legion legacy. We are confident this program will equip service officers with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate effectively for veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve.
For more information, please contact The American Legion's Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Division at var@legion.org.