VA-Accredited vs. Unaccredited Representatives: What's the Difference?

Why VA Accreditation Matters

Filing a VA disability claim can feel overwhelming. Veterans may need to complete forms, gather medical records and other evidence, and provide statements supporting the connection between their condition and military service.

When Veterans need help with this process, they may turn to attorneys, claims agents, or Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives. To legally assist Veterans with preparing, presenting, or pursuing VA benefit claims, these representatives generally must be accredited by the VA. VA accreditation means the representative has been authorized to assist claimants before the Department of Veterans Affairs and must follow VA rules governing representation.

Unaccredited individuals and companies do not have that authorization. While not every unaccredited provider may be intentionally trying to scam Veterans, the VA strongly advises Veterans against using unaccredited claims assistance and recommends working with VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, or VSO representatives instead.

What VA Accreditation Means and Who Has It

VA accreditation means an individual has been authorized by the Department of Veterans Affairs to help Veterans prepare, present, and pursue claims for VA benefits. The VA’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) oversees the accreditation process and accredits three types of representatives: VSO representatives, attorneys, and claims agents.

• VSO Representatives: These representatives work with VA-recognized Veterans Service Organizations and must be recommended for accreditation by their organization.
• Attorneys: Attorneys must be in good standing with at least one state bar and apply to the VA for accreditation.
• Claims Agents: Claims agents are non-attorneys who must meet VA requirements, including completing the application process and passing a written examination covering VA benefits law and procedures.

VA accreditation applies specifically to representation involving VA benefits claims. It does not mean the VA endorses an attorney’s or representative’s other professional services. Accredited attorneys and claims agents must also complete ongoing education in Veterans benefits law and follow VA rules governing representation, fees, and professional conduct.

What Accredited Representatives Are Allowed to Do

VA-accredited representatives can help Veterans prepare and file claims, gather evidence, communicate with the VA, and request a review if they disagree with a decision. Accredited VSO representatives often assist with initial claims at no cost, while many attorneys and claims agents begin representing Veterans after the VA has issued an initial decision.

At that stage, an accredited attorney or claims agent may help gather additional evidence, prepare legal arguments, and pursue options such as a Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, or appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals.

Accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees only after:

• The VA has issued a decision on the initial claim
• The Veteran and representative have signed a fee agreement
• The VA has received Form 21-22a appointing the attorney or claims agent as the Veteran’s representative

Veterans can verify whether an attorney, claims agent, or VSO representative is currently accredited through the VA’s online Accreditation Search tool.

Risks of Working With an Unaccredited Representative

The VA has specific requirements for attorneys, claims agents, and VSO representatives who assist Veterans with benefits claims. Depending on the type of representative, the accreditation process may include an application, background review, examination, and ongoing education. Accredited representatives must also follow VA rules governing representation, fees, and professional conduct.

Unaccredited individuals and companies are not authorized by the VA to independently prepare, present, or pursue benefits claims on a Veteran’s behalf. Some predatory companies, often called “claim sharks,” may charge improper upfront fees, demand a portion of future benefits, or make promises about disability ratings or faster decisions that they cannot guarantee.

Veterans who need help with a disability claim should consider working with a VA-accredited attorney, claims agent, or VSO representative. Accredited VSO representatives provide their services free of charge, and no one may charge a Veteran for assistance with preparing and filing an initial VA benefits claim.

Get Help With Your VA Claim

If you disagree with a VA decision or need help understanding your options, a VA-accredited attorney may be able to assist. An attorney can review your decision letter, explain how the VA reached its decision, and help you determine whether a decision review or appeal may be appropriate.

Morgan & Morgan’s VA-accredited attorneys can review your case, explain your available options and any applicable fees, and help you determine the next steps. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.