Claims agent vs. attorney vs. VSO representative: how VA accreditation differs
VA accredits three kinds of individuals to help claimants: representatives of VA-recognized veterans service organizations (VSOs), attorneys, and claims agents (OGC fact sheet). The big differences are the exam, fees, and who vouches for you.
| Claims agent | Attorney | VSO representative | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How you apply | VA Form 21a to OGC | VA Form 21a to OGC | The organization files VA Form 21 for you |
| Written VA exam | Yes, 75% to pass | No | Not under 14.629(a), except county/tribal VSOs recommended by a state organization (training and exam approved by District Chief Counsel) |
| Character and fitness | Affirmative VA determination | Presumed from state bar good standing unless credible contrary information | The organization certifies good character |
| CLE | 3 hrs in year 1, then 3 hrs by year 3 and every 2 years | Same as agents | Not in 14.629(a) |
| May charge fees | Yes, within 14.636 | Yes, within 14.636 | No |
| Appointment form | VA Form 21-22a | VA Form 21-22a | VA Form 21-22 |
| Recertification | Annual good-standing information | Annual good-standing information | Organization recertifies at least every 5 years |
Sources: 38 CFR 14.629(a), (b); 14.636(b); 14.631(a); VA Form 21a; VA OGC.
Details
- VSO representatives are recommended by a recognized organization. They must be members in good standing or paid employees working at least 1,000 hours a year (or meet the county or tribal officer criteria), and they may not be employed by any federal department or agency (14.629(a)). Recognized organizations and their representatives "are not permitted to receive fees" (14.636(b)).
- Attorneys must be members in good standing of a state bar (14.627(d)). OGC presumes character and fitness from bar membership (14.629(b)(1)(ii)). Lawyers licensed only in foreign countries cannot be accredited (OGC FAQ).
- Claims agents need not be lawyers. They must pass the character-and-fitness review and the written exam (14.629(b)(1)(i), (b)(6)).
- Paralegals and law students cannot be accredited on their own. They may assist under an attorney of record's direct supervision with the claimant's written consent (14.629(c)(3)).
- One-time helpers: any person may be authorized to handle one claim, without charge, using VA Form 21-22a and a signed no-compensation statement (14.630).
- Only one organization, representative, agent, or attorney is recognized at a time on a particular claim (14.631(e)(1)).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a law degree to be a VA claims agent?
No. Claims agents are accredited through the character-and-fitness review and a written exam, not bar membership (38 CFR 14.629(b)).
Can VSO representatives charge veterans a fee?
No. Recognized organizations and their accredited representatives acting as such may not receive fees (38 CFR 14.636(b)).
Do attorneys take the claims agent exam?
No. Attorney applicants in good standing with a state bar do not take the VA exam (VA Form 21a).
Sources
Checked October 4, 2026. Primary sources unless marked SECONDARY.
- VA OGC fact sheet, How to Apply for VA Accreditation (PDF)
- 38 CFR 14.627, Definitions (eCFR)
- 38 CFR 14.629, Requirements for accreditation (eCFR)
- 38 CFR 14.630, Authorization for a particular claim (eCFR)
- 38 CFR 14.631, Powers of attorney (eCFR)
- 38 CFR 14.636, Payment of fees (eCFR)
- VA Form 21a, Application for Accreditation as a Claims Agent or Attorney (PDF, revision April 2025)
- VA Office of General Counsel (OGC), Accreditation, Discipline, & Fees Program page (page shows 'Last updated June 15, 2026')
- VA OGC, Accreditation Frequently Asked Questions (page shows 'Last updated October 10, 2023')