VA Accreditation
I am honored to be one of the few attorneys accredited by the Department of Veteran Affairs (the “VA”) to assist veterans who have served our country obtain the benefits they deserve. Accreditation allows me to prepare, present and prosecute claims for veterans before the VA.
The VA requires attorney applicants meet their standards to ensure that VA claimants receive “qualified assistance in preparing and presenting their claims.” At a minimum, an attorney must be a qualified and competent in these areas: VA representation, disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation and pension benefits, claim procedures, eligibility requirements, and appeal rights. Of course, I had to demonstrate that I am of good character and reputation.
Now that I am accredited, I have to be certified on an annual basis, meet continuing legal education requirements, and generally maintain standards of conduct and comply with applicable laws set forth in the United States Code and the Code of Federal Regulations.
Attorneys who are not accredited may not assist claimants in preparing, presenting or prosecuting VA claims. They are, in fact, prohibited by law. See 38 USC chapter 59; 38 CFR part 14[especially 14.632, 14.629(b)(4), 14.629(b)(1)(iii) & (iv)].
My fees in representing a VA claimant are also regulated. Assistance in filing in certain forms, such as an eligibility verification report (“EVR”) is free. However, if the VA issues an adverse decision on a VA claim for benefits and the claimant files a notice of disagreement (“NOD”) or an appeal, then I can charge reasonable fees.
It is a great privilege to be able to represent you, the veteran.