How to keep your VA claims agent accreditation

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

Keeping accreditation comes down to four duties: complete CLE on time, certify your good standing every year, report status changes within 30 days, and follow VA's standards of conduct.

1. CLE

3 hours in the first 12 months, 3 more by year 3, then every 2 years (38 CFR 14.629(b)(1)(iii)-(iv)). See CLE requirements.

2. Annual certification

Each year, submit information about every court, bar, or federal or state agency you are admitted to, with ID numbers, and certify that you are in good standing in each (14.629(b)(4); 38 U.S.C. 5904(a)(3)).

3. Report changes within 30 days

Notify VA within 30 days of any change in your status in any jurisdiction where you are admitted (14.629(b)(4)).

4. Standards of conduct

You must provide competent representation and act with reasonable diligence and promptness. You must not, among other things, engage in fraud or deceit, charge clearly unreasonable or prohibited fees, accept gifts for services you could not lawfully charge for, delay claims without good cause, mislead or coerce claimants, or disclose claimant information without authorization (38 CFR 14.632).

What can cost you accreditation

The General Counsel cancels accreditation when a 14.629 requirement is no longer met (14.633(b)). Cancellation also follows a finding, by clear and convincing evidence, of grounds that include violating VA laws or rules of practice, knowingly presenting fraudulent or frivolous claims, demanding unlawful compensation, suspension by another court, bar, or agency, or charging excessive fees (14.633(c)). A lack of competence is also grounds (14.633(d)). Suspension may be for a definite period or until conditions are met (14.633(g)). Decisions may be appealed only to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (14.633(h)).

Practical housekeeping

• Update contact information with both OGC and VBA (VA OGC).
• For direct-pay fees, enroll with VA's Financial Services Center using VA Form 10091 (VA OGC).
• Do not use accreditation to market financial products or other businesses (VA OGC; OGC fact sheet, Q6).