You can file and manage a VA claim yourself, work with a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), or appoint an accredited attorney or claims agent. The right choice depends on the issue, the evidence, the review lane, and how much of the process you want to handle. No representative can guarantee a rating, an effective date, or a favorable decision.
Start with accreditation
Use VA's Office of General Counsel accreditation search to check the individual person—not just the company's name. An accredited VSO representative, attorney, or claims agent has met VA's requirements to represent claimants. Confirm the person's current status and the organization or law firm shown in the record before signing a power of attorney.
VA's accredited-representative directory can help you find a VSO, attorney, or agent. You can also contact a recognized VSO directly through its official website. A representative should be able to explain what they will do, what they will not do, how communications work, and how to end the relationship.
What each option generally does
- VSOs. Recognized VSOs generally provide claims and appeal assistance without charging the veteran a fee. They may help identify issues, submit forms and evidence, review decisions, and represent you before VA. Availability and workload vary by office, so ask what services and response times you can realistically expect. See Chapter 21: Key VA Forms Reference for appointment forms.
- Accredited attorneys. An attorney may advise on complex evidence, effective dates, Board appeals, Court appeals, or a narrow legal motion such as CUE. Ask whether the attorney handles the specific lane and issue you have, not just general veterans law.
- Accredited claims agents. An agent may provide claims assistance within the scope of their accreditation. Compare experience, communication practices, and the fee agreement just as you would with an attorney.
- Self-service tools. Claim Raven can help you organize an evidence list, understand terminology, track a C-file request, or review documents with Raven Cipher. A tool does not act as your representative, provide legal advice, or replace a clinician's opinion.
Fees and fee agreements
VSOs generally do not charge for representation. Attorneys and claims agents may charge only within the rules for VA representation. Under 38 U.S.C. § 5904 and 38 C.F.R. § 14.636, an attorney or agent generally cannot charge for services provided before VA gives notice of its initial decision. After that initial decision, a reasonable fee may be allowed for qualifying representation under the current rules. Legacy matters, fee-agreement review, and Court representation can follow different timing and procedures.
Before signing, request a written fee agreement that states the percentage or hourly basis, what work it covers, expenses, who receives any past-due-benefit withholding, and what happens if you end the relationship. VA may review a fee agreement for reasonableness and may withhold an authorized fee from past-due benefits in some circumstances; do not assume every percentage or expense is automatically approved. Ask the representative to explain the agreement in plain language, and keep a copy. If a fee dispute arises, use the VA process described in the agreement and official VA guidance rather than withholding records or making a second appointment without understanding the consequences.
Warning signs
Be cautious when someone promises a guaranteed percentage, says they can “unlock” a secret rating, pressures you to sign immediately, asks you to file a new claim solely to create fees, or wants your VA.gov password. An unaccredited company or consultant may not represent you before VA or charge for preparing, presenting, or prosecuting a VA claim. Marketing language such as “claims expert” or “insider” is not proof of accreditation.
Never give a representative your VA.gov login, multifactor code, email password, or unredacted records through an unverified channel. Use VA's formal appointment forms, confirm the recipient's address, and share only the documents needed for the agreed work. Keep your own copies of decisions, evidence, and submissions. If you upload a C-file to a tool, use a private account and review its privacy terms; see C-file handling guidance.