Getting the Representation You Deserve: Why VA Accreditation Matters
If you’re a disabled veteran struggling with a VA disability claim, you’re not alone. The process is notoriously complex, and even strong claims can face delays, denials, or requests for more evidence. In times like this, it’s natural to wonder whether professional help would make the difference. The key is knowing who is qualified to step in. That’s where VA accreditation comes in.
Under 38 CFR Part 14, accreditation is the system VA uses to authorize certain representatives, agents, and attorneys to assist veterans with their claims.1 This credential isn’t just a formality. It’s proof that the person you’re working with has been vetted, trained, and recognized by VA itself as being competent to represent veterans. For someone navigating a disability claim that feels stuck, this assurance can be invaluable.
Why VA Accreditation Matters
When you choose an accredited attorney, you’re working with someone who has been evaluated by VA’s Office of the General Counsel. According to 38 CFR §14.629, applicants must demonstrate both good character and the necessary legal ability to handle veterans’ claims.2 This ensures you aren’t relying on “consultants” or unqualified advisors who may not understand VA’s rules—or worse, who could exploit your situation.
Accreditation also means accountability. An accredited attorney is subject to oversight and can be suspended or disqualified if they violate VA rules or ethical standards (38 CFR §14.633).3 That layer of protection gives you confidence that your representative is required to act in your best interests, not their own.
Education and Continuing Training
Another advantage of working with a VA-accredited attorney is ongoing education. The accreditation process requires attorneys to complete specialized training within their first year, including at least three hours focused on VA benefits law. After that, they must continue their education at regular intervals to keep their accreditation active (38 CFR §14.629(b)).4
Why does this matter to you? Because VA law changes. Court decisions, new legislation, and updated VA regulations can all affect how claims are processed. By working with an accredited attorney, you know your representative is expected to stay up to date, so your case is argued with the most current legal strategies available.
Who Can Charge for Services (and Who Can’t)
Many veterans don’t realize that not everyone helping with claims is allowed to charge for it. According to 38 CFR §14.636, only accredited attorneys and accredited claims agents may accept fees for representation.5 Even then, fees must be “reasonable,” and fee agreements are subject to review by VA.
This protects you from being taken advantage of by individuals who might otherwise demand payment without offering qualified help. If someone offers to assist with your claim but can’t show VA accreditation, they aren’t legally allowed to charge you—and they may not be qualified to handle your case.
The Types of Help an Accredited Attorney Can Provide
A VA-accredited attorney isn’t just there to file forms. They can step in at critical moments when claims get complicated:
Gathering and presenting evidence: Service records, medical opinions, and personal statements all need to be prepared in formats VA will accept (38 CFR Part 3, Subpart A).6 An attorney knows how to organize this evidence to strengthen your claim.
Appeals and hearings: If your claim has been denied or under-rated, an accredited attorney can represent you before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals or in supplemental claim filings. They know the rules of procedure and deadlines that can make or break your case.
Protecting against errors: Mistakes like incorrect effective dates or missed conditions are common in VA decisions. An experienced attorney knows how to spot these errors and push back effectively.
Navigating complex cases: Some veterans have overlapping claims, secondary conditions, or situations involving total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU). These issues often require detailed legal arguments that go far beyond filling out a form.
Ethical Standards and Oversight
When you hire a VA-accredited lawyer, you’re not just getting legal skills—you’re also getting the protection of strict oversight. Accredited attorneys must follow both VA’s rules and their state bar’s ethical code. If they engage in misconduct—such as charging unreasonable fees, filing fraudulent evidence, or neglecting clients—they risk suspension or cancellation of accreditation under 38 CFR §14.633.7
For veterans, this means peace of mind. You know that your representative has real “skin in the game” and can be held accountable if they fail to live up to their obligations.
Why Accreditation Can Make the Difference in Your Claim
Many veterans try to file on their own at first, only to find themselves overwhelmed by denials, requests for additional evidence, or confusing notices. A VA-accredited attorney can:
Translate complex regulations into a clear action plan
Build a legal argument tailored to your unique service and medical history
Ensure forms, deadlines, and evidence meet VA’s strict requirements
Represent you through appeals without you having to shoulder the stress alone
In other words, accreditation isn’t just a credential—it’s your assurance that the attorney knows how to fight for the benefits you’ve earned.
Moving Forward with Confidence
If your disability filing is stuck or feels too overwhelming, now may be the right time to engage a VA-accredited attorney. With specialized training, accountability to both VA and state bar standards, and the authority to represent you legally before VA, they are uniquely equipped to help veterans succeed where the system often feels stacked against them.
You’ve served your country. If your VA disability claim feels overwhelming or stuck in the system, you shouldn’t have to battle bureaucracy alone. Working with a VA-accredited attorney ensures you have an advocate who understands the law, the process, and your rights as a veteran. Contact our office today to learn how we can help you move your claim forward with confidence.
1. 38 CFR Part 14 – Legal Services, General Counsel, and Miscellaneous Claims.
2. 38 CFR §14.629 – Requirements for accreditation of service organization representatives, agents, and attorneys.
3. 38 CFR §14.633 – Termination of accreditation; misconduct.
4. 38 CFR §14.629(b) – Training requirements.
5. 38 CFR §14.636 – Payment of fees for representation.
6. 38 CFR Part 3, Subpart A – General VA Adjudication Regulations.
7. 38 CFR §14.633 – Termination of accreditation; misconduct.
