ADVOCACYVA program
VA-Accredited Claims Agents and Attorneys
VA-accredited attorneys and claims agents may represent veterans in claims and appeals, and may charge fees only for work done after VA sends notice of its initial decision on a claim, whether or not that decision was favorable. VA maintains a publicly searchable directory of all accredited representatives.
Step-by-step guide
What VA requires to hire an attorney or claims agent
- Accredited by VAAn attorney must be in good standing with a bar. A claims agent must pass a written exam VA gives. Both must complete continuing education on veterans law. You can check accreditation in VA's search.
- A signed VA Form 21-22aThe form appoints the attorney or agent as your representative. You and they both sign it.
- A written fee agreement, if they chargeAny fee agreement must be in writing, signed by you and the attorney or agent, and filed with VA within 30 days of signing.
Source: 38 CFR 14.629(b) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: OGC accreditation search (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 14.631(a) (opens in new tab); VA Form 21-22a (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 14.636(g) (opens in new tab)
Time limits
A fee agreement must be filed with VA within 30 days of signing it.
What to gather, and what it shows VA
| Document | What it shows | How VA gets it | Have it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA Form 21-22a Appointment of an attorney or claims agent as your representative. | Who represents you before VA | Fill it out with the attorney or agent. Send it to VA online through AccessVA, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. | |
| Fee agreement The written contract on how the fee is set, signed by you and the attorney or agent. | The terms of the fee and whether VA pays it from past-due benefits | It must be filed with VA within 30 days of signing. Ask the attorney or agent to confirm it was filed, and keep your own copy. | Yes |
Records and statements go to VA. BeneVets never asks you to upload or type them here.
Steps, in order
- Check accreditation
Search the attorney or agent in VA's accreditation search before you sign anything.
Source: VA.gov: OGC accreditation search (opens in new tab); VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab)
- Read the fee agreement
It must be in writing and name the terms that set the fee. It also says whether VA pays the fee directly from past-due benefits.
- Sign VA Form 21-22a
You and the attorney or agent sign it, and it goes to VA.
Source: VA Form 21-22a (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 14.631(a) (opens in new tab)
- Or use free help
Free help: an accredited VSO can file this with you. Find one near you in the BeneVets VSO directory at Find an accredited VSO near you.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab)
Good to know
Under the current review system, an accredited attorney or agent may charge for help given after VA has issued notice of an initial decision on the claim. In most cases they cannot charge for help before that notice.
A fee of no more than 20 percent of past-due benefits awarded is presumed reasonable when the representation continued through the decision. A fee above 33 1/3 percent is presumed unreasonable.
Free help: an accredited VSO can file this with you. Find one near you in the BeneVets VSO directory at /vso-directory. VSO representatives do not charge fees.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 14.636(b) (opens in new tab)
BeneVets is informational and is not an accredited representative. Free help: an accredited VSO can work through VA benefits with you at no cost. Find an accredited VSO near you
Sources checked October 8, 2026: 38 CFR 14.629(b) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 14.631(a) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 14.636(b) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 14.636(c)(1)(i) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 14.636(f)(1) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 14.636(g) (opens in new tab), VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab), VA.gov: OGC accreditation search (opens in new tab), VA Form 21-22a (opens in new tab)