How to check VA accreditation status for an agent, attorney, or VSO representative

Sources checked October 4, 2026. Independent guide, not affiliated with VA. Not legal advice.

Use VA OGC's Accreditation Search at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation. It lists individuals currently accredited by VA and organizations currently recognized by VA.

How to search

1. Open the OGC Accreditation Search.
2. Choose attorneys, claims agents, or VSO representatives.
3. Enter any of the criteria, or just part of a last name (for example "Sm"), and click Search.

The page also offers downloadable Excel lists of accredited attorneys, claims agents, and representatives (OGC Accreditation Search).

Reading the results

• The data "refreshes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening." A brand-new accreditation may not appear right away.
• If a search returns nothing, "the person or organization is not currently authorized to provide representation but may have an application for accreditation or recognition pending."

(Both quotes: OGC Accreditation Search.)

Other ways

• VA.gov also has a Find a VA accredited representative or VSO tool.
• To request a correction of search data, or to ask about accreditation (including your own pending application), email [email protected] (VA OGC). The OGC fact sheet also lists 202-461-7699 (OGC fact sheet).
• Accredited agents and attorneys who change contact information should update it with both OGC and the Veterans Benefits Administration (VA OGC).

Why it matters

Helping prepare, present, or prosecute a VA claim generally requires accreditation, even without charge (OGC fact sheet; 38 CFR 14.629(b)(1)). OGC's FAQ says advising a claimant on a specific claim counts as claim preparation (OGC FAQ).