Accredited VA claims agent, what they do and how to verify one
An accredited VA claims agent is a person VA has approved to help veterans with benefit claims, even though they are not a lawyer. Agents pass an exam and a background check, follow the same fee rules as attorneys and can represent you before VA. This page compares agents, attorneys and VSO representatives and shows you how to check anyone's accreditation in a minute.
Three kinds of accredited help compared
| Type | Who accredits | Can charge fees | Typical help |
|---|---|---|---|
| VSO representative | VA, through a recognized Veterans Service Organization | No, help is free | Filing initial claims, increases and reviews, general guidance |
| Claims agent | VA Office of General Counsel, after an exam and background check | Yes, only after notice of an initial decision | Reviews, appeals, evidence gathering, often a focus on VA claims only |
| Attorney | VA Office of General Counsel, for lawyers in good standing with a state bar | Yes, only after notice of an initial decision | Reviews, Board appeals, complex cases, appeals to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims |
How someone becomes an accredited agent
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1
They apply to VA's Office of General Counsel.
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2
They pass a written exam on VA law and procedure.
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3
They pass a character and fitness review, including a background check.
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4
They complete required continuing education to keep their accreditation.
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5
VA can suspend or cancel accreditation for misconduct.
Check any representative in the VA accreditation search
VA runs a public accreditation search on VA.gov. Type the person's name and see whether they are listed as an attorney, a claims agent or a VSO representative. If the name is not there, that person may not help you with a VA claim for a fee. Do this before you share medical records or sign a fee agreement.
A note on the words va claims advocate
Some businesses call themselves VA claims advocates, coaches or consultants. Titles do not matter to VA. Only accredited people may help you prepare or argue a claim for a fee, and only after an initial decision. Anyone else who charges you for claim help is outside the rules, even if their website looks official.
Choosing between a va claims agent and an attorney
Both can represent you at VA and both follow the same fee limits: a fee of 20 percent or less of past-due benefits is presumed reasonable, and a fee over 33 1/3 percent is presumed unreasonable. An attorney can also take your case to federal court, while an agent's work stays inside VA. If your case may end up at the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, an attorney covers both stages. For a review or a Board appeal, an experienced agent can be a strong choice.
Finding an accredited agent near me
Accreditation is national, so an agent in any state can work on your claim by phone, email and online filing. Choose your state in the request below and agents who serve veterans there receive it. For more on location, read va disability lawyers near me.
Request an accredited agent or attorney
Tell us your state and where your claim stands. Verified accredited representatives who handle that stage in your state receive your request, and you choose whom to reply to. It is free for veterans.
Keep reading
Compare this with the main va disability lawyer guide, or use the va combined rating calculator so you can tell a representative exactly where you stand.
Is an accredited VA claims agent a lawyer?
No. A claims agent is not a lawyer, but VA has tested and approved them to represent veterans in VA claims.
Can a claims agent charge me a fee?
Yes, but only after VA issues notice of an initial decision, and only under a written fee agreement filed with VA. The same reasonableness limits apply as for attorneys.
How do I verify a VA claims agent?
Search the name in the public VA accreditation search on VA.gov. The result shows whether the person is an accredited agent, an attorney or a VSO representative.
Is a VSO representative better than a paid agent?
It depends on your case. VSO representatives help at no cost and handle many claims well. Some veterans choose a paid agent or attorney later for a complex review or appeal.
What if a claims advocate is not accredited?
Do not pay them for claim help. Only accredited people may charge, and you can report unaccredited paid help to VA's Office of General Counsel.