If you are seeking representation from a VSO, you can download a blank copy of the 21-22 form. Print one (1) copy of the VA Form 21-22. Mail or hand deliver it to the VSO that you selected. If the VSO agrees to assist you with your claim, that organization may then submit it to the VA regional office on your behalf.
If you are seeking representation from an accredited attorney or claims agent, you can download a blank copy of the 21-22a form. Print one (1) copy of the VA Form 21-22a and mail or hand deliver it to the attorney or claims agent that you selected. If the attorney or agent agrees to assist you with your claim, that individual may then submit it to the VA regional office on your behalf.
1 By law, organizations and individuals must have VA permission, referred to in the law as "recognition" or "accreditation," to represent Veterans before the Department in their claims for VA benefits. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that Veterans have qualified and competent representation. Only those organizations and individuals authorized by VA to provide representation for Veterans are included in the VA/DoD eBenefits Representative Search results.
2 A VA-accredited attorney has applied to VA for accreditation, is licensed to practice law in at least one state, and is in good standing in the states, courts, and agencies in which in which the attorney is authorized to practice or appear for clients. A VA-accredited claims agent has applied to VA for accreditation, satisfied minimum character and fitness requirements, and passed a written examination about VA benefits law and procedure. VA requires accredited attorneys and claims agents to complete continuing legal education courses to maintain their accreditation.
3 The fees charged by VA-accredited attorneys and agents may be based on a fixed fee, an hourly rate, a percentage of past-due benefits recovered, or any combination of these options. Veterans may choose to enter into a fee agreement providing that fees for representation will be paid by VA directly out of any past-due benefits awarded to the Veteran. Such a fee is limited to 20 percent of the total amount of past-due benefits awarded on the claim. A fee not exceeding 20 percent of past-due benefits awarded is presumed by VA to be reasonable; fees exceeding 331/3 percent of past-due benefits awarded are presumed by VA to be unreasonable.
The following form is pre-filled with the selected representative's information:
Print and complete one (1) copy of the VA Form 21-22a. Mail or hand-deliver it to either your servicing VA regional office or your agent, attorney, or non-licensed individual representative to submit on your behalf. Find the address of your local VA regional office.
If you choose a VSO, any one of their VA-accredited representatives can help you with your claim. By law, VSOs and VSO representatives cannot charge a fee for representing you in your claim for benefits. VSOs can operate at the national, regional, state, or local level.
VA-accredited attorneys and claims agents2 may charge a reasonable fee for representing you before the Department3 ; however, the law provides that such fees may be charged only for services provided after VA has decided a claim and the you have initiated an appeal regarding that decision. Accordingly, attorneys and agents cannot charge you for simply preparing your claim.
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