The Playbook › Step 1 of 7: Know the rules
You are allowed to file a VA claim on your own, and many veterans do. But you do not have to. Trained, accredited people will help you for free, and for appeals there are professionals who only get paid if you win.
The key word is accredited. VA accreditation means the person has passed a background check, met training requirements, and is legally allowed to prepare and present your VA claim.
The short version
- Veterans Service Officers are free, at every stage.
- Accredited attorneys and claims agents can charge, but only after VA has made an initial decision on your VA claim.
- Nobody is allowed to charge you a fee to prepare or file an initial claim.
- Always check a name in VA’s accreditation search before you sign anything.
On this page
Your three options for VA claim help
| Veterans Service Officer | Accredited claims agent | Accredited attorney | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Usually a share of back pay | Usually a share of back pay |
| When they can charge | Never | Only after an initial decision | Only after an initial decision |
| Best for | Initial claims, increases, straightforward reviews | Denials and complex reviews | Board appeals, court appeals, complex legal issues |
| Who they are | Staff of groups such as DAV, VFW, American Legion, or county and state veterans offices | Non-attorneys who passed a VA exam | Licensed lawyers accredited by VA |
Veterans Service Officers
VSOs work for veterans organizations or for state and county governments. They can file your VA claim, gather evidence, track its progress, and represent you in reviews. You do not have to be a member of the organization. Quality varies from office to office, so if the first one is not responsive, try another.
Accredited claims agents and attorneys
These professionals mostly work on denied claims and appeals. Fees are regulated:
- They cannot charge for work on an initial claim before VA issues a decision.
- A fee of 20% or less of your back pay is presumed reasonable.
- A fee above 33.3% is presumed unreasonable.
- If the fee agreement has VA pay them directly out of your back pay, the fee cannot exceed 20%.
- They generally get nothing from your future monthly payments.
How to appoint someone
To make it official, you sign a form that lets the person see your file and act for you:
- VA Form 21-22 to appoint a Veterans Service Organization
- VA Form 21-22a to appoint an individual attorney or claims agent
You can do this online at VA.gov. You can change or cancel your representative at any time.
Who to avoid
A number of companies market “claim consulting” or “coaching” to veterans. Many are not accredited. Because they are not accredited they are not bound by VA’s fee rules, and some charge several times your monthly increase.
Watch for these warning signs:
- A fee based on your future monthly payments, such as five or six times your increase
- A fee for help with an initial claim
- A contract that says they are not representing you, only “consulting”
- A request for your VA.gov login
- A guaranteed rating or result
- Pressure to use their own doctors for a nexus letter
Check before you sign. Search the person or organization in VA’s accreditation database. If they are not listed, they are not accredited to prepare your VA claim.
Questions to ask anyone who offers help
- Are you accredited by VA, and under what name can I look you up?
- What do you charge, and when?
- Will you represent me formally with a signed VA Form 21-22 or 21-22a?
- Who will actually work on my file, and how do I reach them?
- How will you keep me updated?
Can I file a VA claim myself?
Yes. A straightforward claim with a clear diagnosis and records from service is well within reach, and this site is built to help you do it. Start with how VA claims work and the filing guide. If your VA claim is denied, or involves something complicated like an earlier effective date or a clear and unmistakable error, that is a good time to bring in accredited help.
A note on this site: The VA Claim Playbook is an educational resource. We are not accredited representatives and we do not file or handle claims.
Free printable checklist. Everything to gather before you file, what to bring to your C&P exam, and what to check in your decision, on two pages.
Last reviewed October 2026. This guide is general educational information, not legal or medical advice, and this site is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Rules and rates change. Confirm details on VA.gov or with an accredited representative. See our disclaimer and editorial policy.