DeSoto County Veterans Services

DeSoto County's Veterans Service Office, 201 E. Oak Street, Suite 202, Arcadia, 863-993-4860, helps veterans and eligible family members with VA compensation, pension, vocational rehabilitation and burial claims; Veterans Service Officer Steve Rickard keeps short hours, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday.

Also called: veterans service officer, VSO, CVSO, VA claim, pension, aid and attendance, burial, Steve Rickard, Purple Heart County, Wheels for Veterans, Arcadia, Nocatee, Fort Ogden, Lake Suzy, Peace River.

For: Veteran or service member, spouse, child, survivor.

Where it applies

Written for the jurisdictions listed here.

DeSoto County, FLCounty

Florida's counties may run veteran service offices under chapter 292; see the Florida entry. DeSoto County's Veteran Services "is committed to helping veterans and their families access the benefits they've earned", with "respectful, confidential support and expert guidance on VA benefits, claims, and services" from a "trained County Veterans Service Officer" who "understands federal and state laws affecting veterans, as well as VA procedures". What it helps with. The office's benefits guide covers VA disability compensation (including presumptive conditions), the Veterans Pension with aid and attendance or housebound benefits, Veteran Readiness and Employment (vocational rehabilitation), burial in a national cemetery and the burial allowance, with links to military records requests, the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs and Sarasota National Cemetery. Where and when. 201 E. Oak Street, Suite 202, Arcadia, FL 34266; 863-993-4860; [email protected]. Steve Rickard (U.S. Army, retired), Veterans Service Officer. Office hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to noon. Call before going. In the county. The Board designated DeSoto a Purple Heart County on August 27, 2018. On November 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Parks and Recreation, the Arcadia American Legion and the Peace River Car Club hold a Wheels for Veterans Car Show at DeSoto Veterans Memorial Park, 2195 NW American Legion Drive; the $10 entry donation goes to DeSoto County veterans.

Thresholds

Thresholds for DeSoto County Veterans Services
Gate	Rule
Veterans and eligible family members	For veterans and eligible family members. No rating is needed.

Sources

Updated

Last updated 2026-10-17.

What changed then:

First published.

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Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.