Can a VA-accredited claims agent work remotely, or represent claimants in any state?

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

VA accreditation is a federal authorization. VA's regulation does not tie it to a particular state. When OGC accredits an agent, the notice "will constitute authority to prepare, present, and prosecute claims before an agency of original jurisdiction or the Board of Veterans' Appeals" (38 CFR 14.629(d)(1)). Two things still matter, though: state laws that regulate paid help with veterans' benefits, and the practical rules VA sets for how you access records and file documents.

What federal law says

• No one may act as an agent or attorney on a VA claim unless VA has recognized them (38 U.S.C. 5901(a)). The Secretary "may recognize any individual" who meets VA's standards (38 U.S.C. 5904(a)(1)).
• The accreditation requirements in 38 CFR 14.629(b) cover character, an exam, CLE, and good standing in other jurisdictions. None of them requires you to live in, or be licensed by, a particular state. VBA describes a claims agent as "someone who is not an attorney" (VBA).
• VA Form 21-22a, which appoints an individual representative, has fields for international addresses and phone numbers for both the veteran and the representative (VA Form 21-22a).

Working remotely in practice

• Filing: the current VA Form 21-22a says documents may be submitted by mail, in person at a regional office, or electronically, and that VA "recommends submitting correspondence electronically" (VA Form 21-22a).
• Records access: OGC says accredited attorneys and agents who want read-only remote access to the electronic VBA claims records of the claimants they represent should contact the access point of contact at the closest regional office (VA OGC). The 21-22a lets the claimant authorize disclosure to staff of agents approved for VA IT access under 38 CFR 1.600–1.603 (VA Form 21-22a, item 19).
• Fee agreements: direct-pay agreements go to the agency of original jurisdiction, and others go to OGC (38 CFR 14.636(g)(3)). VBA has assigned fee coordinators at each regional office, and OGC says to contact the one at the regional office that has jurisdiction over the claim (VA OGC).
• Discipline hearings: if you request a hearing in a cancellation proceeding, it is held at the VA regional office nearest your principal place of business (38 CFR 14.633(f)).

State laws: the part people miss

Some states regulate people who are paid to help with veterans' benefits. Virginia is one example. Its Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act, Va. Code §§ 59.1-614 to 59.1-616 (2026 Acts chs. 602 and 603), applies to any person paid for a "veterans' benefits matter." Among other things, it:

• bans compensation for referrals (§ 59.1-615(A));
• requires a written fee agreement, contingent fees capped at five times the monthly increase, no initial or nonrefundable fees, a specific written disclosure, and no guarantees of outcome (§ 59.1-615(C)–(E));
• limits the use of international call centers and veterans' login credentials (§ 59.1-615(F)).

The act also says: "Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to apply to, limit, or expand the requirements imposed on agents, attorneys, or other representatives accredited and regulated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs" (§ 59.1-615(G)). Violations are prohibited practices under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act (§ 59.1-616). (All: Code of Virginia ch. 60.)

Federal employees

Wherever you live, OGC says a federal employee generally cannot provide representation 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).