What Is an Accredited VA Representative and How Can One Help?

Dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs is often frustrating to former service members and their families. To help guide veterans through the process, the VA has established the accredited representative program. Attorneys and others who wish to advocate for claimants before the VA must complete a formal application and training process demonstrating their familiarity with the department’s rules and procedures. This way, claimants can feel confident that their rights will be asserted by a representative who can make their case effectively.

An attorney authorized by the VA’s accredited representative program is allowed to handle a full range of benefit matters, including disability medical, home loan and education claims. Guidelines to ensure the success and propriety of this program address issues such as:

• Requirements for accreditation — An attorney must complete a continuing legal education course to gain initial accreditation and then take additional courses periodically after that. Proof of completion must be submitted to the VA’s Office of General Counsel along with a certification of good standing for courts where the lawyer is admitted to practice. A background investigation is also conducted.
• When advocacy is authorized — Accredited attorneys are permitted to collect fees once an initial adverse claims decision has been issued and a Notice of Disagreement form has been filed.
• Standards of conduct — To maintain their status, accredited representatives must abide by legal standards regarding truthfulness, diligence and competency. Accreditation can be suspended or revoked if an advocate fails to honor these rules.

The three VA-accredited attorneys at Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban offer honest, skillful guidance on a full range of issues pertaining to veterans’ benefits. With offices in the Carolinas and Virginia, we serve a large group of veterans and their families. Please call 866-866-VETS or contact us online to make an appointment for a free initial consultation.