Located in communities throughout Maryland, Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Service Officers assist veterans and their eligible dependents in acquiring benefits. For assistance, contact the full time office most convenient to you. Appointments for satellite offices may be scheduled through the Program office nearest the satellite location.During your initial visit with MDVA staff, they will review military separation discharge documents, DD214’s and individual circumstances of service in order to provide the best possible assistance.  Staff will review the three elements of the VA system: the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemeteries Administration.  A review of Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs programs will also be completed to include the Maryland Cemetery Program, Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, as well as other Maryland programs designed to assist veterans.  A typical visit can also generate a disability compensation/pension claim for submission to the Veterans Benefits Administration. Our Service Officers assist with developing, preparing and submitting compensation/pension claims to the Veterans Benefits Administration.  For veterans and dependents who receive our services, staff will track processing claims and assist with additional development requests made by the Veterans Benefits Administration.  Once the claims process has been completed, our staff review the Veterans Benefits Administration decision and, if successful, review all applicable ancillary benefits.  It pays to seek representation when filing claims for federal Veterans Affairs disability benefits.  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs data shows that veterans represented by accredited organizations receive significantly greater disability benefits than their non-represented counterparts.