**§14.627 Definitions.**

As used in regulations on representation of VA claimants:

\(a\) *Accreditation* means the authority granted by VA to
representatives, agents, and attorneys to assist claimants in the
preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for VA benefits.

\(b\) *Agency of original jurisdiction* means the VA activity or
administration that made the initial determination on a claim or matter
or that handles any subsequent adjudication of a claim or matter in the
first instance, and includes the Office of the General Counsel with
respect to proceedings under part 14 of this chapter to suspend or
cancel accreditation or to review fee agreements.

\(c\) *Agent* means a person who has met the standards and
qualifications outlined in §14.629(b).

\(d\) *Attorney* means a member in good standing of a State bar who has
met the standards and qualifications in §14.629(b).

\(e\) *Benefit* means any payment, service, commodity, function, or
status, entitlement to which is determined under laws administered by VA
pertaining to veterans, dependents, and survivors.

\(f\) *Cancellation* means termination of authority to represent
claimants.

\(g\) *Claim* means application made under title 38 U.S.C., and
implementing directives, for entitlement to VA benefits, reinstatement,
continuation, or increase of benefits, or the defense of a proposed
agency adverse action concerning benefits.

\(h\) *Claimant* means a person who has filed or has expressed to a
representative, agent, or attorney an intention to file a written
application for determination of entitlement to benefits provided under
title 38, United States Code, and implementing directives.

\(i\) *Complete claims service* means representation of each claimant
requesting assistance, from the initiation of a claim until the
completion of any potential administrative appeal.

\(j\) *Cross-accreditation* means an accreditation based on the status
of a representative as an accredited and functioning representative of
another organization.

\(k\) *Facilities* means equipment and furnishings that promote the
efficient operation of an office, and adjacent accommodations, which are
needed to facilitate access to office space.

\(l\) *Recognition* means certification by VA of organizations to assist
claimants in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims
for VA benefits.

\(m\) *Representative* means a person who has been recommended by a
recognized organization and accredited by VA.

\(n\) *Representation* means the acts associated with representing a
claimant in a proceeding before VA pursuant to a properly executed and
filed VA Form 21-22, "Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as
Claimant's Representative," or VA Form 21-22a, "Appointment of
Individual as Claimant's Representative."

\(o\) *Service* means the delivery of a motion, response, or reply to a
person or entity to which it is directed. Proof of service consists of a
statement by the person who made service certifying the date and manner
of service, the names of the persons served, and the addresses of the
place of delivery. For service by mail, proof of service shall include
the date and manner by which the document was mailed.

\(p\) *State* includes any State, possession, territory, or Commonwealth
of the United States, and the District of Columbia.

\(q\) *Suspension* means temporary withholding of authority to represent
claimants. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 501(a), 5902, 5903, 5904)

\[53 FR 52419, Dec. 28, 1988, as amended at 68 FR 8544, Feb. 24, 2003;
73 FR 29870, May 22, 2008\]

**Supplement *Highlights* reference**: 83(3).