Where can I find guidance and assistance on how to get my veterans benefits started?

Contact your local County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) or VA accredited representative. You can find a CVSO here if your state has them http://nacvso.org/. You can search for accredited representatives here http://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp .

Learn your way around these two sites.
https://www.myhealth.va.gov/
https://www.vets.gov/education/eligibility/

For more info you'd need to specify what types of benefits you're looking to start.

The VA has several benefit channels. You can find at
https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/Applying.asp
* But, if you want VA Health (Medical), take your DD-214 into any VA hospital or community clinic and as the staff to enroll you. To find the nearest VA, google va clinic near me
* The staff will take your photo. If the enrollment is approved, you will receive your VA id in the mail. While you are with the staff, ask them to approve you for MyHealthVet messaging.
* VHA (Veterans Health Administration) operates like an HMO. Every vet is assigned a GP and the GP is the gateway to specialists. Unlike the HMO, the veteran and specialist can dialog directly. The fist VHA clinic visit will be with the GP.
*Once enrolled, some medical benefits require a clinic visit once every 2 years. Plan to have the VA do your annual physical.