VA Claims Agent Exam PrepHow to become a VA claims representative: agent, attorney, or VSO rep
Quick answer: There are three ways to become a VA claims representative: an accredited claims agent (a non-attorney who applies on VA Form 21a, passes OGC's character-and-fitness review, and scores 75 percent or more on the written exam), an accredited attorney (who holds a law license and is accredited without the exam), or an accredited VSO representative (who serves free through a recognized veterans service organization). Pick the path that matches your background, then follow its steps.
TL;DR
- Agent path: Form 21a, character-and-fitness review, then the OGC written exam (75 percent to pass).
- Attorney path: law license, accredited without the exam.
- VSO path: join a recognized service organization, accredited through it, serve veterans free.
- Agents and attorneys may charge fees up to 20 percent of past-due benefits (38 U.S.C. 5904).
The three paths, compared
VA recognizes three categories of representatives, and each has its own route to accreditation. The accredited claims agent path is built for non-attorneys: you apply on VA Form 21a, OGC conducts a character-and-fitness review, and then you sit for a written examination administered by OGC, offered online several times per year on set dates (VA OGC). You must score 75 percent or more (38 CFR 14.629(b)(6)). No law degree is required, and passing does not make you an attorney.
The accredited attorney path is for lawyers. Attorneys apply through OGC as well but are not required to take the written exam, because their legal training stands in for it. The VSO representative path runs through a recognized veterans service organization, such as the DAV, VFW, or American Legion. You affiliate with the organization, complete its training, and are accredited as its representative. VSO reps serve claimants for free, which is the trade for the organization's training and support structure. All three categories are subject to VA's standards of conduct and continuing education rules.
Find your path
Pick the statement that best describes you to see your steps:
The agent path, step by step
- Learn the law. The exam covers compensation and pension programs, claim procedures, appeals, agents' fees, and waiver of indebtedness. OGC recommends 38 U.S.C. chapters 1, 11, 13, 15, 51, 53, 59, 71, and 72, plus 38 CFR parts 1, 3, 4, 14, 19, and 20 (VA OGC).
- Apply on VA Form 21a. This is the application for accreditation as a claims agent or attorney (VA Form 21a). See our application guide.
- Pass the character-and-fitness review. OGC reviews your background before you can sit for the exam. Under current rules the exam comes after an affirmative fitness determination (38 CFR 14.629(b)(6)).
- Take the exam. Online, on one of OGC's scheduled dates. Score 75 percent or more. You may sit no more than twice in any 6-month period.
- Get accredited and start practicing. OGC completes your accreditation. Then you must follow the standards of conduct, charge only lawful fees, and keep up with continuing legal education.
Fees and the business reality
One reason people choose the agent path is that it can be a business. Accredited agents may charge fees under 38 U.S.C. 5904, up to 20 percent of past-due benefits in a recognized fee agreement (38 U.S.C. 5904). VSO representatives cannot charge, because their service is free by design. If your goal is to earn a living representing veterans, the agent path is the non-attorney route. Our fees guide covers the rules and the direct-pay process in detail.
Frequently asked questions
What is a VA claims representative?
A VA claims representative is someone VA has accredited to represent claimants on veterans benefits matters. There are three kinds: accredited claims agents (non-attorneys who pass the OGC exam), accredited attorneys, and accredited VSO representatives who serve free through a veterans service organization (VA OGC).
Do I need a law degree to become a VA claims representative?
No. The accredited claims agent path is specifically for non-attorneys: apply on VA Form 21a, pass OGC's character-and-fitness review, and score at least 75 percent on the written exam. No law degree or bar license is required (38 CFR 14.629).
How long does it take to become a VA claims representative?
VA does not publish a processing-time guarantee. Timing depends on OGC's review of your Form 21a and the character-and-fitness process, plus waiting for one of the scheduled exam dates. Plan for several months from application to accreditation.
Can a VA claims representative charge fees?
Accredited agents and attorneys may charge fees under 38 U.S.C. 5904, up to 20 percent of past-due benefits in a fee agreement VA recognizes (38 U.S.C. 5904). Accredited VSO representatives serve claimants free through their service organization.
What is the difference between a claims agent and a VSO representative?
A claims agent is an individual non-attorney accredited after passing the OGC exam, and may charge fees. A VSO representative works through a recognized veterans service organization, is accredited through that organization, and serves veterans free. See our full comparison.
Which VA claims representative path should I choose?
Choose the agent path if you are not an attorney and want an independent practice where you can charge fees. Choose the attorney path if you hold a law license. Choose the VSO path if you want to help veterans for free through a service organization. Use the path finder above to walk through your options.
Sources
Checked October 7, 2026. Primary sources unless marked SECONDARY.