Sonoma County Veterans Service Office

Sam Cronin

I went in today for help fixing their own mistake from years ago. As far as the VA is concerned my five year old son doesnt exist(because they didnt do their job when he was born and I went there) which leaves me out about $3000. I also needed to file for unemployability. When Holland Webster brought me the papers I asked if he could help me go through them and fill them out. His response was "that will take a while" I said ok? He then informed me that we cant use the offices because of COVID. Makes perfect sense. So I then asked if he knew about retro pay to the date of my kids birth and he said something to the effect of "you wont get it, thats on you for not filing the paperwork." I pointed out that I had done it years ago in that very office to which he snapped "im not the one that did your paperwork years ago so dont give me attitude." I pointed out that he was the one giving the attitude and then he said that he was about to ask me to leave. I told him I was going to ask him to do his job. He told me to leave and tried to walk away with my papers. I told him to give me my papers and he did. He said goodbye and I turned to walk out of the office, hearing him smugly taunting with high pitched "HAVE A GOOD ONE!" and "HAVE A NICE DAY!". I then offered to talk about it outside if he wanted to keep conversing. All of this in front of my wife. Was I 100% in the right? Not even close, but isnt their job to help veterans? So then why did I feel like I was an inconvenience from the first word my VSO said to me? Why did his boss call to defend his actions and demonize mine? Apparently taunting veterans after joyfully not helping is accepted practice here. The receptionist was very nice though.

Adam Blood

Good luck. Get there when they open. Worse than the dmv. I showed up at 1400 and they weren’t taking any more customers—standing room only. Don’t be a Vet in California, tax dollars (not) at work as usual...

SARmedic

Very helpful if you need help getting forms filled out or ID cards made. (Done on site, same day) If you have a claim to fill out they will help you get the correct forms to fill out and explain them to you. The reason they lose a star here is, they don't seem to understand how much you need to include with a FDC form. If you need to submit a disability claim do yourself a favor and buy a book that explains the process. There are quite a few books on Amazon that explain the process and what you should include with your forms upon submission. The VSO's, and VA doctors, don't seem to understand how much is required so do your homework. No records; no claim.

Bill Spence

I can't thank the people that work here enough for the help and guidance they provided me in getting connected to the VA.