ADVOCACYVA program
VSO Claims Representation
Accredited Veterans Service Organizations (VFW, DAV, American Legion, and others) provide free assistance filing and appealing VA claims at every level, from initial filing through the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
Step-by-step guide
What you get
Free help from a VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization representative with filing a claim or asking for a decision review.
What it takes to have a VSO represent you
- A VA-accredited VSO representativeVA recognizes the organization and accredits each of its representatives. You can check a representative in VA's accreditation search.
- A signed VA Form 21-22The form is a power of attorney. It needs your signature and the representative's signature, and it lets VA share your claim information with them.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab); VA.gov: OGC accreditation search (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 14.631(a) (opens in new tab); VA Form 21-22 (opens in new tab)
Where are you with a representative?
- Appoint a VSO for your claim
An accredited VSO representative can help you file a claim or ask for a decision review. VA accredits these representatives. You appoint one by signing VA Form 21-22 with them and sending it to VA.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 14.631(a) (opens in new tab)
- Change or end your representative
You can revoke a power of attorney at any time. When VA gets a new one signed by you and a new representative, it replaces the old one unless you say otherwise.
- A new appointment form, or a revocationOnly one organization or representative is recognized at a time on a claim. A new VA Form 21-22 or 21-22a replaces the one VA has on file unless you say otherwise. One-time help, or a 21-22a limited to one claim, replaces it only for that claim.
Source: 38 CFR 14.631(f)(1) (opens in new tab); VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 14.631(e)(1) (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 14.631(f)(2) (opens in new tab)
- One-time help from a person you know
Any person can be authorized to prepare, present, and help with one claim, one time only, without pay. This uses VA Form 21-22a plus a statement signed by you both that no pay will be charged or paid.
- A signed no-pay statement and VA Form 21-22aBoth go to the VA office where the claim is filed. This kind of help is allowed one time only.
Source: 38 CFR 14.630 (opens in new tab); VA Form 21-22a (opens in new tab)
What to gather, and what it shows VA
| Document | What it shows | How VA gets it | Have it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| VA Form 21-22 Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative. You and the representative both sign it. | Which VSO represents you before VA | Fill it out with your representative. Send it to VA online through AccessVA, by mail, or in person at a VA regional office. | |
| VA Form 21-22a Appointment of an attorney, claims agent, or a person helping one time on one claim. | Which individual represents you before VA | Fill it out with the person and send it to VA the same ways as VA Form 21-22. For one-time help, add the signed no-pay statement. |
Representation forms go to VA. BeneVets is not accredited and does not represent anyone.
Steps, in order
- Find an accredited representative
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. You can also use VA's accreditation search to check that a representative is accredited.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab); VA.gov: OGC accreditation search (opens in new tab)
- Contact them first
VA suggests contacting the representative to confirm they can help before you appoint them.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab)
- Sign VA Form 21-22 together
The form needs both your signature and the representative's. Without the representative's signature the appointment is not valid.
Source: VA Form 21-22 (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 14.631(a) (opens in new tab)
- Send the form to VA
Send it online through AccessVA, mail it, or bring it to a VA regional office. A new form replaces your current representative.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 14.631(f)(1) (opens in new tab)
Good to know
Free help: an accredited VSO can file this with you. Find one near you in the BeneVets VSO directory at /vso-directory. VA rules do not let a VSO or its accredited representatives receive fees for this help.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab); 38 CFR 14.636(b) (opens in new tab)
VA recognizes one organization or representative at a time on a claim, and works with that representative until VA gets notice of a change.
You have the right to a representative at every stage of an appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
Source: 38 CFR 20.5 (opens in new tab)
BeneVets is not accredited by VA and does not represent anyone. The directory lists organizations so you can contact them yourself.
Source: VA.gov: accredited representatives (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 14.630 (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 14.631(a) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 14.631(e)(1) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 14.631(f)(1) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 14.631(f)(2) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 14.636(b) (opens in new tab), 38 CFR 20.5 (opens in new tab), VA.gov: accredited representatives (opens in new tab), VA.gov: OGC accreditation search (opens in new tab), VA Form 21-22 (opens in new tab), VA Form 21-22a (opens in new tab)