I have seen some similar situations. The local VFW or American Legion posts are usually helpful, but a lot of the guys who participate are getting up there or have passed. Out here, the gents sometimes drive a considerable distance nowadays.
In one instance the VA was “less than effective,” and one of the family happened to run into a Patriot Guard Rider who was not only familiar with the process, but also a pit bull. There are still guys like this who may not be “credentialed,” but they know who is... and they are motivated.
Another situation involved a Marine vet, and the Marine Corps League helped out.
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Coming in the middle of the conversation, so please forgive me if this was already covered.
I haven’t had a need to use one but...
the VA recommends a VSO
https://www.va.gov/disability/get-help-filing-claim/
https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/vso-search
Hope things turn out well for you txbubba.