What Is a VA-Accredited Representative, and How Do You Verify One?
Quick answer
A VA-accredited representative is a person VA’s Office of General Counsel has approved to help with VA benefit claims. There are three types: Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives, attorneys and claims agents. VSO help is always free. Accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees only after an initial decision, with a signed fee agreement and VA Form 21-22a on file. You can verify anyone using VA’s accreditation search.
The three types
| VSO representative | Accredited attorney | Accredited claims agent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who they are | Represents a VA-recognized Veterans Service Organization | A lawyer in good standing with a state bar, accredited by VA | A non-attorney who passed VA’s knowledge exam and is accredited by VA |
| Fees | Always free | Only after an initial decision, with a fee agreement | Only after an initial decision, with a fee agreement |
| Appointment form | VA Form 21-22 | VA Form 21-22a | VA Form 21-22a |
How to verify accreditation
- Ask for the person’s full name and, for attorneys and agents, their accreditation details.
- Search VA’s Office of General Counsel accreditation database.
- Confirm the name, type (VSO representative, attorney or claims agent) and status match what you were told.
- Only then sign an appointment form (21-22 or 21-22a) or any fee agreement.
Fees: what the rules allow
VA says accredited attorneys and claims agents can charge fees only after all three of these happen: you receive an initial decision on your claim, you sign a fee agreement, and the appointment form (VA Form 21-22a) is submitted. VSO representatives never charge for help with a VA claim.
Be cautious of anyone who is not accredited but offers to help with a VA claim for a fee, or who asks for payment to prepare an initial claim. VA lets you file a complaint about unaccredited individuals.
Representatives most often help with disability claims, decision reviews and appeals, pension and Aid and Attendance, and survivor benefits.
Questions to ask before you choose help
- Are you accredited by VA, and as which type?
- Will you charge a fee, and if so, when and how is it calculated?
- Who will actually work on my claim, and how will we communicate?
- How will my personal and medical information be protected?
About Veteran Benefits USA
Veteran Benefits USA’s team includes Philip VanderHamm, a VA Accredited Claims Agent. Read more about our team. You can verify any representative, including ours, in VA’s accreditation database. Veteran Benefits USA is an independent organization and is not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Common questions
Do I need an accredited representative to file a VA claim?
No. You can file on your own. Representatives can help with evidence, forms and decision reviews.
Are VSO representatives really free?
Yes. VA states that services from an accredited VSO representative on a VA benefit claim are always free.
When can an accredited claims agent or attorney charge a fee?
Only after you receive an initial decision, sign a fee agreement, and the VA Form 21-22a appointment is submitted.
How do I check if someone is VA-accredited?
Search VA’s Office of General Counsel accreditation database by name.
What is the difference between VA Form 21-22 and 21-22a?
Form 21-22 appoints a Veterans Service Organization. Form 21-22a appoints an individual accredited attorney or claims agent.
What can I do about an unaccredited person helping with claims?
VA lets you file a complaint about individuals who are not accredited.