Becoming an Accredited Claims Agent or Attorney
Overview
Accredited claims agents and attorneys represent veterans before the VA in disability compensation and pension claims. The Office of General Counsel (OGC) oversees the accreditation process.
Pro Tip: Thinking about becoming an accredited claims agent? The VA needs good ones. If you've been through the claims process and want to help others navigate it, this is how you go legit.
What Makes This Role Challenging
Each veteran's situation presents unique circumstances. Effective claims representatives must navigate complex scenarios including:
- Service members with AWOL periods linked to undiagnosed mental health conditions
- Claims with strong evidence receiving repeated denials
- Diagnostic coding questions (does "sleep disorder" include sleep apnea?)
- Benefit eligibility for veterans with less-than-honorable discharges
- Secondary conditions and aggravation claims
Essential capabilities: - Ability to research and argue issues beyond your personal experience - Strong deadline management - Setting realistic client expectations - Proficiency with VA digital systems (VBMS access is essential) - Understanding of regulatory framework and case law
Computer literacy is fundamental. The VA operates almost entirely through digital systems, making technical proficiency non-negotiable for effective representation.
Four Steps to Accreditation
Step 1: Submit Your Application
Complete VA Form 21a (Application for Accreditation as a Claims Agent or Attorney).
Submission options: - Mail: Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of General Counsel (022D), 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20420 - Fax: 202-495-5457 - Email: ogcaccreditationmailbox@va.gov
Step 2: Character and Fitness Review
OGC contacts your provided references for character assessment. Due to processing backlogs, this step now occurs after examination rather than before.
Expect approximately six months for initial processing.
Step 3: Pass the Examination
Qualified applicants receive invitations to take a proctored online examination covering: - Appeal deadlines and procedures - Benefit termination scenarios - Claims processing regulations - Evidence requirements
Important: Examinations occur only four times per year. Plan accordingly.
Study resources are available from multiple commercial providers, though the M21-1 Adjudication Manual and 38 CFR remain your primary reference materials.
Step 4: Receive Accreditation
Results typically arrive within two weeks. Successful candidates receive official accreditation status.
Post-Accreditation Obligations
Required materials: - Veterans Benefits Manual (LexisNexis publication)—essential reference
Continuing education: - Three CLE hours within your first year - Additional hours required annually thereafter
Annual requirements: - Certify good standing with OGC - Maintain current contact information with both VBA and OGC
Frequently Asked Questions
Must I have legal or VSO experience?
No prerequisite experience is required. However, working as a VSO or volunteering with veteran organizations provides valuable practical knowledge before pursuing accreditation.
How do I update my contact information?
Follow the "Process for Attorney and Claims Agent Contact Change Requests" procedures, notifying both VBA and OGC of changes.
Governing Regulations
| CFR Section | Subject |
|---|---|
| 38 CFR 14.627 | Definitions |
| 38 CFR 14.629 | Accreditation requirements |
| 38 CFR 14.630 | Authorization for specific claims |
| 38 CFR 14.631 | Power of attorney provisions |
| 38 CFR 14.632 | Conduct standards |
| 38 CFR 14.633 | Accreditation termination |
| 38 CFR 14.636-637 | Fee arrangements |
Related Paths
Resources
Originally written by u/Wesley832; adapted by u/l8tn8