Question for U.S. vets who've dealt with the VA.?

MY FELLOW VA BUDDIES who've dealt with the VA: Any recommendations on who to go through when contesting a VA decision? I plan to contest a couple decisions, obviously. I got my decisions in May and June, so I'm still within my 1-year window to contest but I've been debating on which route to go. I want it done right and effective as possible. Did anyone go with just their local VSO, one of those VSO services, or a lawyer? I'm still in El Paso, and so some of you know how many soldiers and Vets they see daily over here, so I don't know if they'll give me a good second work through. Any thoughts? I've been considering the VFW, DAV, etc. as well.