Veterans Services Office: From Serving Our Country to Serving San Luis Obispo County
For many veterans—and the dependents and survivors who stand beside them—navigating the maze of veteran benefits can feel daunting. That’s where the San Luis Obispo County Veterans Services Office (VSO) steps in. As a dedicated local resource, the VSO exists to make accessing benefits clearer, easier, and more personal. Their mission is simple yet profound: ensure that those who have served our country receive the support, advocacy, and care they earned.
At the heart of the VSO are its Veterans Service Representatives (VSRs)—accredited, highly trained representatives who understand the complexities of the VA system and stand ready to guide veterans through it. Unlike federal Veterans Affairs employees, VSRs work directly for the county, offering local, accessible support tailored to each veteran’s unique needs.
We recently had the opportunity to meet with Ryan Barney, a VSR II and proud Navy Veteran. Ryan brings firsthand experience, empathy, and a deep commitment to serving fellow veterans. His favorite part of the job? “Helping veterans get what they need—and getting to know them.”
Ryan’s dedication extends well beyond office walls. In one memorable case, he assisted a former San Luis Obispo County veteran now living in the Netherlands, helping him navigate the VA system from overseas. The gentleman reached out to the San Luis Obispo office because of their reputation of service. It is just one example of how Ryan and his colleagues consistently go above and beyond. VSR III Yvette Mason’s office wall is signed by all the Veteran’s she has personally helped! It’s very moving to see so many names.
With a small but mighty team, the VSO made a remarkable impact last year by helping secure more than $14 million in benefit payments for local veterans. Ryan is deeply proud of the advocacy, persistence, and compassion that he and his fellow VSRs bring to the veterans of San Luis Obispo County every day.
Here are just a few of the resources the VSO help applicants obtain:
Survivor’s Pension
Veteran’s Pension
Veterans Burial Allowance and Burial in a VA National Cemetery, including eligibility determinations.
CalVet College Tuition Fee Waiver
Assistance applying for VA Healthcare
Benefits by Disability Rating
Requesting Military Service Records
Discharge Upgrades or Corrections
The VSO also hosts an on-site food pantry for Veterans and their families who are facing food insecurity. Please contact the VSO office if you would like to contribute to this pantry.
From the newly discharged to long-retired service members, the VSO is committed to ensuring every veteran and their family receives the benefits they have earned—and the respect they deserve. Thank you, VSO staff, for your service to our country and your continued Service to the Veterans of San Luis Obispo County!
Carrie McGrath, Labor Representative I
Jennifer Tate, Labor Representative I