Who can become a VA claims agent? Paralegals, former adjusters, veterans, and federal employees
You do not need to be a lawyer, and VA's regulation sets no minimum degree. To be accredited as a claims agent, you must show "good character and reputation," be "qualified to render valuable assistance to claimants," pass a character-and-fitness review, and score 75% on the written exam (38 CFR 14.629(b)).
What the regulation requires
- A complete VA Form 21a (14.629(b)(2)). The form asks about your education history, but neither the form nor 14.629 sets a minimum level (VA Form 21a, item 10).
- An affirmative character-and-fitness determination, then the exam (14.629(b)(1)(i), (b)(6)).
- No unreinstated suspension by any court, bar, or agency (14.629(b)(5)).
Paralegals
A paralegal cannot be "independently accredited" as a paralegal. A certified paralegal may assist on a claim under an attorney of record's direct supervision, with the claimant's specific written consent (14.629(c)(3)). OGC says paralegals "may not independently provide representation to claimants" (OGC FAQ). A paralegal who wants independent authority, and the ability to charge fees, would apply as a claims agent like anyone else.
Former insurance adjusters and other claims professionals
VA has no special route or credit for insurance adjusting, VSO volunteering, or other claims experience. The same Form 21a, review, and exam apply. Experience can help with the substance, but VA does not award credit for it. Form 21a asks about prior representation before any state or federal agency (item 19) and about admissions to practice (items 11–12) (VA Form 21a).
Veterans
Veterans can apply like anyone else. Form 21a asks for branch, character of discharge, and dates of service (VA Form 21a, items 6-8; 14.629(b)(2)(ii)).
Federal employees and Reservists
OGC: "An employee of the Federal government generally cannot provide representational services before VA." A Reserve component member is not considered a federal employee for this purpose unless on active duty or active duty for training (OGC fact sheet, Q3). For VSO representatives, the bar on federal employment is written into 14.629(a)(3) (14.629(a)(3)).
Red flags in your background
Felony convictions, misdemeanors involving fraud, bribery, deceit, theft, or misappropriation, and ethical suspensions or disbarments are listed as evidence of a lack of good character (14.629(b)(3)). See character and fitness.
Check yourself
Original practice questions that passed an independent fact-check against current eCFR and U.S. Code text. They are not actual exam questions.
1. An accredited attorney wants a certified paralegal on his staff to help with a client's claim, including participating in a hearing. Under 38 CFR 14.629(c)(3), which statement is correct?
- A. The paralegal may assist under the attorney's direct supervision with the claimant's written consent, and the attorney must attend any hearing the paralegal participates in.
- B. The paralegal may become independently accredited to represent claimants by filing VA Form 21a with the Office of the General Counsel.
- C. With the claimant's written consent naming the paralegal, the paralegal may conduct the hearing alone without the attorney present.
- D. No claimant consent is needed, because a paralegal employed by the attorney of record is covered by the attorney's power of attorney.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Under 14.629(c)(3), a legal intern, law student, or paralegal cannot be independently accredited. They may assist under the direct supervision of the attorney of record if the claimant's written consent is furnished to VA, and the supervising attorney must be present at any hearing in which they participate.
Source: 38 CFR 14.629(c)(3)
2. The Chief Counsel denies an application for accreditation as a claims agent. After the applicant submits additional evidence, the Chief Counsel issues a final decision that still denies accreditation. Under 38 CFR 14.629(d)(2)(ii), where may the applicant appeal?
- A. To the General Counsel, and then to the Secretary
- B. Directly to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
- C. To the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
- D. Only to the Board of Veterans' Appeals
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. The Chief Counsel's determination on an applicant's qualifications is 'a final adjudicative determination of an agency of original jurisdiction that may only be appealed to the Board of Veterans' Appeals.'
Source: 38 CFR 14.629(d)(2)(ii)
More practice: 12 sample questions · free quiz
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a degree to become a VA claims agent?
38 CFR 14.629 sets no minimum education level. The application asks for your education history (14.629(b)(2)(vii); VA Form 21a).
Can a paralegal be VA-accredited?
Not as a paralegal. Paralegals may assist under an attorney's direct supervision with claimant consent (38 CFR 14.629(c)(3)), or they can apply as claims agents.
Can a federal employee become a VA claims agent?
OGC says federal employees generally cannot provide representation before VA. Reservists not on active duty or active duty for training are not treated as federal employees for this purpose (OGC fact sheet).
Does insurance adjuster experience count toward VA accreditation?
There is no special credit or route for it in VA's regulations. Adjusters follow the same Form 21a, review, and exam process.
Sources
Checked October 4, 2026. Primary sources unless marked SECONDARY.
- 38 CFR 14.629, Requirements for accreditation (eCFR)
- VA Form 21a, Application for Accreditation as a Claims Agent or Attorney (PDF, revision April 2025)
- VA OGC, Accreditation Frequently Asked Questions (page shows 'Last updated October 10, 2023')
- VA OGC fact sheet, How to Apply for VA Accreditation (PDF)