Work with VA-accredited help by choice
VA does not automatically assign a representative. If you choose help, verify current accreditation, understand who the form appoints, read any fee agreement, and never share VA.gov credentials or multifactor codes.
Overview
Working with a VA-accredited representative is optional. VA does not automatically assign one. You may manage your own claim or choose an accredited Veterans Service Organization representative, attorney, or claims agent after checking the current official record and the terms of the relationship. Accreditation is a verification step, not a promise Current accreditation authorizes a person to provide representation within VA's system. It does not guarantee quality, availability, a particular strategy, or a favorable result. Verify the exact individual and, for VSO help, the organization before signing anything.
Start with the kind of help you want
General role orientation; ask the specific representative what they will and will not do. Type Common role Cost question Accredited VSO representative May help gather evidence, file a claim, request review, and communicate with VA on the claimant's behalf. VA says services provided by an accredited VSO representative on a VA benefit claim are always free. Accredited attorney Often works after an initial VA decision and may develop evidence or legal argument within an agreed scope. Ask when a fee is permitted, what the written agreement covers, how payment works, and what happens if either side ends the relationship. Accredited claims agent May provide representation within the person's current VA accreditation and agreed scope. Use the same written fee and scope review; do not assume a standard percentage or payment method.
Verify the person and organization
Use the current OGC search Search the exact person under attorney, claims agent, or VSO representative. The tool shows people who are currently accredited. Check the organization separately For VSO help, also search recognized organizations. An organization listing does not mean every employee, volunteer, or contractor is individually accredited. Match identity and contact details Confirm the name, location, organization, and contact information with the person you intend to appoint. Resolve mismatches before sharing records. Confirm availability and scope Ask whether they are accepting matters like yours, who will work on it, what communications and filings they will handle, and what remains your responsibility. Never share VA.gov credentials A representative does not need your Login.gov or ID.me password, multifactor code, recovery code, or full control of your personal sign-in. Use VA's appointment and authorized-access processes instead.
Use the correct appointment form
Confirm the current form and instructions immediately before signing. Form Who it appoints Signature boundary VA Form 21-22 A Veterans Service Organization as the claimant's representative. Both the claimant and accredited representative sign the appointment. VA Form 21-22a An individual attorney, claims agent, or other permitted individual. Both the claimant and the individual representative sign the appointment. Read the entire current form before signing. Confirm the organization or person named, the benefit matters covered, any address and contact information, and every authorization or limitation. Keep the signed version and submission confirmation.
Review fees without assuming a formula
VA's current FAQ says accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees only after specified conditions are met, including an initial VA decision, a signed fee agreement received by VA, and VA's receipt of Form 21-22a. Do not reduce this to a universal percentage or assume the same terms apply to every service. What exact work and claim issues does the agreement cover? Is payment direct, contingent, hourly, fixed, or another structure permitted by the current rules? Who pays expenses such as records, medical opinions, travel, or filing costs? What happens to fees and the file if you discharge the representative or the representative withdraws? How are complaints, fee disputes, and file transfers handled?
Keep control of your claim
Keep copies of the appointment, fee agreement, submissions, VA notices, and communications. Ask before a filing changes an issue, theory, review lane, evidence window, or requested benefit. Read each VA notice yourself and preserve its stated date and instructions. Tell the representative promptly about new notices or changed contact information. Use VA's current process if you decide to replace or discharge a representative. Claim Raven is not your representative Claim Raven does not appoint, supervise, endorse, or communicate through a representative, and it does not represent you before VA. It can help organize educational information, but the veteran chooses whether to seek help and whom to appoint.
Warning signs
A guarantee of service connection, rating, back pay, or timing. A request for your VA.gov password, multifactor code, or recovery code. Refusal to identify the individual doing the work or explain the appointment and fee documents. Pressure to omit facts, sign a blank form, or submit a statement you have not reviewed. A claim that an organization listing proves every staff member is accredited. A claim of special access, influence, or endorsement by VA or Claim Raven.
If the representative or agreement is unclear
If the representative or agreement is unclear The person's name does not appear in the search. Check spelling and representative type. Search the organization separately. Ask OGC about current accreditation rather than relying on a screenshot. Do not appoint or share claim records until current authority and identity are resolved. The organization is recognized, but the staff member is unclear. Search the individual VSO representative. Ask who will be assigned. Confirm the organization named on Form 21-22. Treat organization recognition and individual accreditation as separate checks. The fee agreement is hard to understand. Identify covered issues and work. Identify the fee and expense terms. Review discharge, withdrawal, and dispute language. Pause before signing and use current VA instructions or independent qualified help for unanswered terms. Someone asks for my VA.gov sign-in. Do not provide the password or code. Use the official appointment process. Secure the account if credentials were exposed. Authorized representation is not the same as sharing personal sign-in credentials. Use the official accreditation search and current appointment-form instructions. Keep your own copies and make the final choice yourself.
Official sources
Official sources VA: Get help from a VA-accredited representative or VSO https://www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/ VA: Accredited representative FAQs https://www.va.gov/resources/va-accredited-representative-faqs/ VA Office of General Counsel: Accreditation search https://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/index.asp VA Form 21-22: Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative https://www.va.gov/forms/21-22/ VA Form 21-22a: Appointment of Individual as Claimant's Representative https://www.va.gov/forms/21-22a/
Related guidance
Related guidance Read the broad Claims Guide on finding help /claims-guide/help Review Claim Raven account security /security Understand decision-review choices neutrally /help-center/claims-and-appeals/static-decision-review-orientation
More information
Verify before you appoint Use the current VA search, confirm the exact person and organization, read the appointment and fee documents, and keep control of your credentials and claim choices. Open the broad help guide /claims-guide/help