You do not have to do this alone, and the help is often free

VA accredits three kinds of people to assist with claims: recognized veterans service organization representatives, attorneys, and claims agents. VA's guide to accredited representatives explains the differences.

Accredited VSO representation for a VA claim is free. Not discounted — free. Attorneys and claims agents operate under different, limited fee rules.

Check the person, not the advertisement

Search VA's official accreditation directory for the individual by name. A company name, a logo, a badge on a website, and a confident phone manner are not accreditation. If the person helping with your claim is not in that directory, that is worth knowing before you sign anything.

Be particularly careful with anyone who wants a percentage of your back pay, an up-front charge to "review" your claim, or a fee framed as "consulting" to sit outside VA's rules. 38 C.F.R. §14.636 governs what may actually be charged, and calling a fee something else does not change the rule.

What to bring

Your complete decision notice, the issue names and dates, a short chronology, and whatever records you already hold. Ask what they will review, whether a deadline is running, and exactly what will be filed and when.

You can ask for a second opinion on a proposed strategy. You never need to hand over account passwords.

At the court stage

After a final Board decision, the court's representation page explains your options, and the Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program may represent eligible appellants at no charge.

Contacting someone does not file your appeal. The 120-day court deadline runs regardless.

What this site does not do

It does not review your file, recommend a lane for your claim, file anything, or represent you. Only someone who reads your actual record can do that.

Reviewed October 6, 2026