A lot of veterans file a claim alone or sit with a denial letter without knowing free, accredited help is available. VA accredits attorneys, claims agents, and Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives specifically so you don't have to interpret the forms by yourself.
All three types are trained on current VA rules and can help you file a new claim, add evidence, or appeal a decision. The difference between them comes down to cost and who they work for, not how much they know.
Decision
Where are you right now?
Choose the situation closest to yours.
The Three Kinds of Accredited Help
A Veterans Service Organization representative works through a VSO like the VFW, American Legion, or Disabled American Veterans, and their help is free. An accredited attorney or claims agent can charge you a fee for their services, since they aren't attached to a VSO.
None of the three is automatically better than the others. A VSO representative can be just as thorough as a paid attorney, and the right choice often comes down to availability near you and whether you want someone affiliated with a specific veterans organization.
How to Find and Appoint One
VA's own accreditation search tool is the only reliable way to confirm someone is currently authorized. You can search by name, city, state, or zip code, and it only returns people and organizations currently in good standing.
Once you pick someone, you appoint them with a form: VA Form 21-22 for a VSO representative, or VA Form 21-22a for an accredited attorney or claims agent. You can submit the form through AccessVA, by mail to the intake center for your claim type, or in person at a VA regional office.
Leave a VA visit knowing your next steps.
Build my listClose tool
Select core VA questions, add your own, and leave the appointment with clear next actions.
Checklist
Before you pick one, confirm these
A direct question up front avoids a surprise later.
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Checklist
Steps to actually appoint someone
Each step is small, but skipping one slows the whole process down.
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Timeline
Get ready in order
Check off each step as you go.
DD214, medical records, and your decision letter if you're appealing.
Compare availability and ask the same questions from the checklist above.
Even a free VSO representative should confirm this in writing so expectations are clear.
Save your stage, your questions, and your meeting prep before you make the first call.
What to Bring to Your First Meeting
Bring your DD214 or other separation papers, any VA or private medical records tied to your condition, and your claim number if you've already filed. If you're appealing, bring the decision letter itself, since the exact wording often decides which appeal path makes sense.
A good first meeting ends with a plan. Before you leave, confirm what happens next, who's doing it, and when you'll hear back.
If you're the one considering an appeal, What to Do After a VA Claim Denial: The Next Steps That Matter Most walks through the review paths an accredited representative can help you weigh.
