Make sure your representative is the real thing
VA accredits three kinds of representatives, and you can confirm anyone in under a minute. Start with a name below. We will point you straight to the official VA list and show you exactly how to read it.
Who do you want to check?
How to read the result
- If the person or organization appears as currently accredited, they are authorized to represent you before VA.
- If the search returns no result, they are not currently authorized, though an application could still be pending.
- The list is updated Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, so a very recent change may not show yet.
- Accreditation means VA authorized them to help. It is not a review of quality, so still talk with them before you appoint anyone.
The three kinds of people VA accredits
A representative of a recognized Veterans Service Organization, like the DAV, VFW, or your state or county veterans office. They help at every stage at no cost.
A licensed attorney accredited by VA. Cannot charge for the initial claim, and may charge a regulated, reasonable fee only after VA's first decision.
A non-attorney accredited by VA after an exam and background check. Same fee rules as an attorney: nothing for the initial claim, a regulated fee only after the first decision.
One narrow exception: Under 38 CFR 14.630, VA can authorize a person who is not accredited, such as a family member or friend, to help with one particular claim, one time only. It requires a statement signed by both of you, filed with VA, that no compensation will be charged or paid for the help, and the same person cannot do it again for another claimant.
Walk away if you see these
- • Asks for money or a slice of your monthly increase to file your initial claim.
- • Guarantees a rating, a 100 percent outcome, or a faster decision. No one can promise what VA will decide.
- • Is not on the VA accreditation list, or dodges the question when you ask.
- • Pressures you with repeated calls, texts, or a deadline to sign today.