##  Section A. General Information on Power of Attorney (POA) {#section-a.-general-information-on-power-of-attorney-poa .unnumbered}

#### Overview {#overview .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > This section contains the following topics:           |
| ### In thi |                                                         |
| s Section  |                                                         |
| {#in-this- |                                                         |
| section .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

  ------------ ---------------------------------------------- ------------
  Topic        Topic Name                                     See Page

  1            VA Power of Attorney (POA) Versus General POA  3-A-2
               Under State Law                                

  2            Appointing a Power of Attorney (POA)           3-A-3
               Representative                                 

  3            Power of Attorney (POA) Representation for     3-A-7
               Incompetent Claimants                          

  4            Extent of Authority                            3-A-8

  5            Authority to Review a Claims Folder            3-A-10

  6            Honoring Requests for Exclusive Contact        3-A-13

  7            Revoking and Terminating Representation        3-A-16

  8            Representation after the Veteran's Death       3-A-18
  ------------ ---------------------------------------------- ------------

#### 1. VA Power of Attorney (POA) Versus General POA Under State Law {#va-power-of-attorney-poa-versus-general-poa-under-state-law .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > The legal effect of appointing a VA POA differs from  |
| Introducti | > the rights granted to a State POA.                    |
| on {#intro |                                                         |
| duction .u | > This topic contains information on the effect         |
| nnumbered} | > appointing a POA under State law has on prosecuting a |
|            | > VA claim.                                             |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > August 17, 2004                                       |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > The execution by a claimant of a power of attorney    |
| ### a. Eff | > (POA) under State law has *no* effect for the         |
| ect of POA | > purposes of prosecuting a VA claim. In order to be    |
|  Under Sta | > recognized by Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), a   |
| te Law on  | > claimant's representative must be appointed according |
| VA Claims  | > to the procedures in this chapter.                    |
| {#a.-effec |                                                         |
| t-of-poa-u | > ***Reference***: For information on appointing an     |
| nder-state | > accredited representative of a service organization,  |
| -law-on-va | > agent, non-licensed individual, or attorney           |
| -claims .u | > representative, see M21-1MR, Part I, 3.A.2.           |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 2. Appointing a Power of Attorney (POA) Representative

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on appointing a POA   |
| troduction | > representative, including                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | · the requirements to represent claimants               |
|            |                                                         |
|            | · a definition of ***declaration of representation***   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | · limited versus unlimited representation, and          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | · limited attorney representation.                      |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > February 16, 2007                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > The table below describes the requirements for POA    |
| # a. Requi | > representatives to represent claimants.               |
| rements to |                                                         |
|  Represent |                                                         |
|  Claimants |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Type of        | Requirements                                        |
| Representation |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Accredited     | Must obtain recognition from VA's Office of General |
| representative | Counsel in order to represent claimants. Refer any  |
| of a service   | person or group to the Office of General Counsel    |
| organization   | for accreditation.                                  |
| or agent       |                                                     |
|                | ***References***: For more information on           |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   requirements for accredited representatives of  |
|                |     a service organization and agents to obtain     |
|                |     recognition, see 38 CFR 14.629[,]{.underline}   |
|                |     and                                             |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   a list of accredited representatives of service |
|                |     organizations and agents maintained by the      |
|                |     Office of General Counsel, see *[Information    |
|                |     Bulletin                                        |
|                |     2-151](http://www1.va.gov/OGC/page.cfm?pg=35).* |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Non-licensed   | Can represent a claimant on a one-time, one claim   |
| individual     | basis per the provisions of [38 CFR                 |
|                | 14.630](http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/                |
|                | regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART14/S14_630.DOC)[.]{.underline} |
|                | The individual may only represent one VA claimant   |
|                | unless a request is made to the VA's Office of      |
|                | General Counsel.                                    |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

2\. Appointing a Power of Attorney (POA) Representative, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  a\. Requirements to Represent Claimants (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

  ---------------- ------------------------------------------------------
  Type of          Requirements
  Representation   

  Attorney         Need only be a member in good standing of a State bar.
  ---------------- ------------------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > ***Note***: If a person purporting to be a representative does not  |
| > fit into one of the categories above, write to the individual (and  |
| > provide a copy to the claimant) explaining that                     |
|                                                                       |
| -   he/she does not appear to fit into one of the categories of       |
|     permitted representatives per [38 CFR                             |
|     14.                                                               |
| 629](http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART14/S14_629.DOC) |
|     and [38 CFR                                                       |
|     14.6                                                              |
| 30](http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART14/S14_630.DOC), |
|     and                                                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   VA will not recognize the representation unless he/she shows VA   |
|     that he/she does fit into one of the categories of permitted      |
|     representatives.                                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b. D | > A ***declaration of representation*** is the form a   |
| efinition: | > claimant uses to designate a person or organization   |
|  Declarati | > as his or her representative for Department of        |
| on of Repr | > Veterans Affairs (VA) purposes.                       |
| esentation |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| A/An ...       | May represent a claimant if VA receives ...         |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| accredited     | *VA Form 21-22, Appointment of Veterans Service     |
| representative | Organization as Claimant's Representative,* signed  |
| of a service   | by the claimant that shows the service organization |
| organization   | as representative.                                  |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| agent          | *VA Form 21-22a, Appointment of Individual as       |
|                | Claimant's Representative,* signed by the claimant. |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| non-licensed   | a declaration of representation that complies with  |
| individual     | the provisions outlined in [38 CFR                  |
|                | 14.630](http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/                |
|                | regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART14/S14_630.DOC)[.]{.underline} |
|                |                                                     |
|                | ***Note***: The representation is for a one-time,   |
|                | one-claim basis only.                               |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

2\. Appointing a Power of Attorney (POA) Representative, Continued

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  b\. Definition: Declaration of Representation (continued)

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| A/An ...       | May represent a claimant if VA receives ...         |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| attorney       | Either                                              |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   *VA Form 21-22a* signed by the claimant, or     |
|                |                                                     |
|                | -   a written declaration that shows he/she is      |
|                |     authorized to represent the claimant per [5     |
|                |     U.S.C.                                          |
|                |     500(b).](http://www4.law.cornell.edu/usc        |
|                | ode/html/uscode05/usc_sec_05_00000500----000-.html) |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > ***References***: For information on                                |
|                                                                       |
| -   consent to release information, see M21-1MR, Part I, 3.A.5.a,     |
|                                                                       |
| -   how to acknowledge a POA representative, see M21-1MR, Part I,     |
|     3.B.9, and                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   updating the Benefits Delivery Network (BDN), see M21-1MR, Part   |
|     I, 3.B.11.                                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > Assume that representation by an accredited           |
|  Unlimited | > representative of a service organization, agent, or   |
|  Versus Li | > attorney is unlimited, meaning that the               |
| mited Repr | > representative represents the claimant for all VA     |
| esentation | > claims, unless *VA Form 21-22*, *VA Form 21-22a*, or  |
|            | > the declaration of representation shows otherwise.    |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > A declaration of representation by a non-licensed     |
|            | > individual per the provisions of [38 CFR              |
|            | > 14.630](http://ww                                     |
|            | w.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART14/S14_630.DOC) |
|            | > is limited to one claim by its very nature.           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

2\. Appointing a Power of Attorney (POA) Representative, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d. L | > Review an attorney's declaration of representation to |
| imited Att | > determine if the representation is limited or         |
| orney Repr | > unlimited. If it is limited to a specific claim or    |
| esentation | > claims, any unlimited representation that was in      |
|            | > effect at the time of the limited representation was  |
|            | > received by VA continues in effect for all other      |
|            | > claims. If the representation is unlimited, see       |
|            | > M21-1MR, Part I, 3.A.7.c.                             |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   acknowledging limited attorney representation, see  |
|            |     M21-1MR, Part I, 3.B.9, and                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   updating BDN and MAP-D when a limited declaration   |
|            |     of representation is received, see M21-1MR, Part I, |
|            |     3.B.11                                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 3. Power of Attorney (POA) Representation for Incompetent Claimants

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on POA representation |
| troduction | > for incompetent claimants, including                  |
|  {#introdu |                                                         |
| ction-2 .u | -   VA appointment of a fiduciary for incompetent       |
| nnumbered} |     claimants                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   representation for claimants in the process of      |
|            |     being declared incompetent, and                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   appointing POA representation to establish          |
|            |     competency.                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > August 17, 2004                                       |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### a. F | > If the claimant is unable to handle his/her own VA    |
| iduciary A | > benefit payments, VA appoints a fiduciary to handle   |
| ppointment | > the payment of VA funds.                              |
|  {#a.-fidu |                                                         |
| ciary-appo |                                                         |
| intment .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Until a fiduciary is appointed for a claimant in the  |
| # b. Repre | > process of being declared incompetent, accept the     |
| sentation  | > appointment of a POA representative from any of the   |
| for Claima | > following people in the following order:              |
| nts in the |                                                         |
|  Process o | -   claimant                                            |
| f Being De |                                                         |
| clared Inc | -   spouse                                              |
| ompetent { |                                                         |
| #b.-repres | -   mother or father, or                                |
| entation-f |                                                         |
| or-claiman | -   next of kin.                                        |
| ts-in-the- |                                                         |
| process-of |     > Once VA appoints a fiduciary, he/she may appoint  |
| -being-dec |     > a new POA representative. The prior POA is *not*  |
| lared-inco |     > automatically revoked.                            |
| mpetent .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > An incompetent claimant may appoint a POA             |
|  c. Appoin | > representative for the purpose of attempting to       |
| ting POA R | > establish his/her competency.                         |
| epresentat |                                                         |
| ion to Est |                                                         |
| ablish Com |                                                         |
| petency  { |                                                         |
| #c.-appoin |                                                         |
| ting-poa-r |                                                         |
| epresentat |                                                         |
| ion-to-est |                                                         |
| ablish-com |                                                         |
| petency .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 4. Extent of Authority

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on the extent of a    |
| troduction | > representative's authority, including                 |
|  {#introdu |                                                         |
| ction-3 .u | -   the general duties of a representative              |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   the authority of assistants to attorney             |
|            |     representatives                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   authority over IRS records, and                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   where to refer questions or disputes about          |
|            |     representatives.                                    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > April 25, 2007                                        |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > A representative is authorized to prepare, present,   |
| a. General | > and prosecute a claimant's claim and has the          |
|  Duties of | > authority to                                          |
|  a Represe |                                                         |
| ntative {# | -   review the claimant's records                       |
| a.-general |                                                         |
| -duties-of | -   present evidence on behalf of the claimant, and     |
| -a-represe |                                                         |
| ntative .u | -   sign an informal claim, a notice of disagreement    |
| nnumbered} |     (NOD), or a substantive appeal on behalf of the     |
|            |     claimant.                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   withdraw an appeal                                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Notes***:                                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   A POA may not sign formal (or original)             |
|            |     applications for veterans benefits or other forms   |
|            |     requiring claimant certification, such as           |
|            |     eligibility verification reports. However, a POA    |
|            |     may sign informal claims on behalf of the claimant, |
|            |     because, under 38 CFR 3.155, an informal claim may  |
|            |     be accepted without the claimant's signature.       |
|            |     Informal claims, which are often filed on *VA Form  |
|            |     21-4138, Statement in Support of Claim,* include,   |
|            |     but are not limited to, claims for increase or to   |
|            |     reopen.                                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   The representative is furnished copies of all       |
|            |     correspondence (including electronic                |
|            |     correspondence) sent to the claimant regarding a    |
|            |     pending claim or appeal, or in response to an       |
|            |     informal claim.                                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***References***: For more information on         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   reviewing the claimant's records, see M21-1MR, Part |
|            |     I, 3.A.5,                                           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   signing an informal claim, see [38 CFR              |
|            |     3.155](http://w                                     |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKB/PART3/S3_155.DOC), |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   signing an NOD or substantive appeal, see [38 CFR   |
|            |     20.301](http://www                                  |
|            | .warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART20/S20_300.DOC), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   withdrawing an appeal, see [38 CFR                  |
|            |     20.204](http://www                                  |
|            | .warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART20/S20_204.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

4\. Extent of Authority, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > If a claimant has an attorney representative, law     |
| # b. Assis | > students, legal interns, and paralegals may           |
| tants to A | > participate in the prosecution of a VA claim and be   |
| ttorney Re | > present at any hearing if                             |
| presentati |                                                         |
| ves {#b.-a | -   they are operating under the direct supervision of  |
| ssistants- |     an attorney representative, and                     |
| to-attorne |                                                         |
| y-represen | -   the attorney representative, or any associate of    |
| tatives .u |     the attorney representative, is present at any      |
| nnumbered} |     hearing.                                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            |     > ***Reference***: For more information on the role |
|            |     > of assistants to attorney representatives, see    |
|            |     > [38 CFR                                           |
|            |     > 14.629(c)(3)](http://www                          |
|            | .warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART14/S14_629.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c. I | > Special procedures govern a representative's access   |
| RS Records | > to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax return          |
|  {#c.-irs- | > information in the possession of VA. Refer to these   |
| records .u | > special procedures governing the income match with    |
| nnumbered} | > IRS for information about a representative's right of |
|            | > access to these materials.                            |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on a            |
|            | > representative's right to IRS tax return information, |
|            | > see M21-1MR, Part X, 10.8                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Note***: When a veteran is subject to an Income    |
|            | > Verification Match, the assignment of the service     |
|            | > organization as the veteran's representative is only  |
|            | > valid for five years from the date the form is signed |
|            | > for purposes restricted to the verification match.    |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Refer any legal questions or disputes about the       |
| # d. Quest | > extent of person's authority to serve as a            |
| ions or Di | > representative to the Regional Counsel.               |
| sputes Abo |                                                         |
| ut Represe | > ***Reference***: For more information about referring |
| ntatives { | > questions and disputes to the Regional Counsel, see   |
| #d.-questi |                                                         |
| ons-or-dis | -   [38 CFR                                             |
| putes-abou |     14.629](http://www                                  |
| t-represen | .warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART14/S14_629.DOC), |
| tatives .u |     and                                                 |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   [38 CFR                                             |
|            |     14.631(b)](http://www                               |
|            | .warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART14/S14_631.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 5. Authority to Review a Claims Folder

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on a representative's |
| troduction | > authority to review a claims folder, including        |
|  {#introdu |                                                         |
| ction-4 .u | -   the authority to review a claims folder             |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   authority for contractors to review a claims folder |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   assistance in reviewing the claims folder           |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the records protected by 38 U.S.C. 7332             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   handling claims folder reviews by representatives   |
|            |     representing non-veteran claimants in cases where   |
|            |     the veteran is living, and                          |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the location of the claims folder review.           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > February 16, 2007                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > Representatives have the authority to review          |
| # a. Autho | > information in the claimant's claims folder provided  |
| rity to Re | > there is proper authorization from the claimant to do |
| view Claim | > so. If the representative holds POA for only one      |
| s Folder { | > claim, the representative is permitted to review the  |
| #a.-author | > information in the claims folder pertaining *only* to |
| ity-to-rev | > that claim, unless the claimant specifically consents |
| iew-claims | > or authorizes the release of other information.       |
| -folder .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | > ***Notes regarding attorney representation***:        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   A declaration of representation written on an       |
|            |     attorney's letterhead is not sufficient to release  |
|            |     information. A *VA Form 21-22a* signed by the       |
|            |     claimant is required. For more information, see [5  |
|            |     U.S.C.                                              |
|            |     552a(b)](http://www4.law.cornell.edu/               |
|            | uscode/html/uscode05/usc_sec_05_00000552---a000-.html), |
|            |     [38 U.S.C.                                          |
|            |     5701](http://www4.law.cornell.edu/                  |
|            | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00005701----000-.html), |
|            |     and [38 U.S.C.                                      |
|            |     7332](http://www4.law.cornell.edu/                  |
|            | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00007332----000-.html). |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Without a *VA Form 21-22a* signed by the claimant,  |
|            |     an attorney does not have the authority to review   |
|            |     the claims folder or receive any correspondence     |
|            |     from VA including development letters, decision     |
|            |     letters, or copies thereof.                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   If a *VA Form 21-22a* is not signed by the          |
|            |     claimant, back-file the form to show a signature is |
|            |     not of record and update MAP-D by noting there is   |
|            |     no authority to disclose information to the         |
|            |     attorney.                                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

5\. Authority to Review a Claims Folder, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b.   | > Allow contractors (individual or entity) hired by the |
| Authority  | > representative holding POA to review information in   |
| for Contra | > the claims folder *only if* the claimant gives        |
| ctors to R | > specific written consent to release his/her records   |
| eview Clai | > to the representative's contractors.                  |
| ms Folder  | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Example***: If Disabled American Veterans (DAV)    |
|            | > holds POA for a claimant, do not allow a private      |
|            | > physician hired by DAV to review the claims folder    |
|            | > unless the claims folder contains specific written    |
|            | > consent from the claimant on *VA Form 21-22*, or in a |
|            | > separate signed statement, to release information to  |
|            | > contractors of DAV. If the claims folder does not     |
|            | > contain the claimant's written consent, limit review  |
|            | > of the claims folder to DAV and its employees.        |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > Obtain specific written consent from the claimant     |
| ### c. Ass | > before allowing a law student, legal intern, or       |
| istance in | > paralegal to access the claimant's claims folder.     |
|  Reviewing |                                                         |
|  Claims Fo | > ***Reference***: For more information on law          |
| lder {#c.- | > students, legal interns, or paralegals accessing a    |
| assistance | > claimant's claims folder, see [38 CFR                 |
| -in-review | > 14.629(c)(3)](http://www                              |
| ing-claims | .warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART14/S14_629.DOC). |
| -folder .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d.   | > The claimant must give specific consent in order to   |
|  Records P | > release information in the claims folder that is      |
| rotected b | > protected under the provisions of [38 U.S.C.          |
| y 38 U.S.C | > 7332](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/               |
| . 7332 {#d | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00007332----000-.html). |
| .-records- | > This information relates to                           |
| protected- |                                                         |
| by-38-u.s. | -   drug abuse                                          |
| c.-7332 .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   alcoholism or alcohol abuse                         |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   infection with HIV, or                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   sickle cell anemia.                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > If there is no consent to release records protected   |
|            | > by [38 U.S.C.                                         |
|            | > 7332](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/               |
|            | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00007332----000-.html), |
|            | > send the claimant a                                   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   *VA Form 21-22* or *21-22a,* or                     |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   *VA Form 10-5345, Request and Authorization to      |
|            |     Release Medical Records or Health Information*.     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

5\. Authority to Review a Claims Folder, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####  {#  | > In the case of a living veteran, if a representative  |
| section .u | > is acting under a POA from any person *not* acting on |
| nnumbered} | > behalf of the veteran, do *not*                       |
|            |                                                         |
| ##### e.   | -   permit the representative to review the records of  |
|  Handling  |     the veteran, or                                     |
| Representa |                                                         |
| tion of No | -   furnish any information to which the person is not  |
| n-Veteran  |     entitled or information not relating to such person |
| Claimants  |     alone.                                              |
| in the Cas |                                                         |
| e of a Liv |     > ***Reference***: For more information about       |
| ing Vetera |     > representation of a claimant not acting on behalf |
| n {#e.-han |     > of the veteran, see [38 CFR                       |
| dling-repr |     > 1.525(a)(2)](http://w                             |
| esentation | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART1/S1_525.DOC). |
| -of-non-ve |                                                         |
| teran-clai |                                                         |
| mants-in-t |                                                         |
| he-case-of |                                                         |
| -a-living- |                                                         |
| veteran .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > A representative who holds a written authorization or |
| ## f. Loca | > consent to review a claims folder may review the      |
| tion of Cl | > claims folder within a regional office (RO) in a      |
| aims Folde | > space designated for such reviews.                    |
| r Review   |                                                         |
| {#f.-locat | > If the authorization or consent is limited, then the  |
| ion-of-cla | > representative may review *only* the information in   |
| ims-folder | > the claims folder that the veteran has authorized or  |
| -review .u | > consented for the representative to review.           |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | > The regional office director may permit accredited    |
|            | > representatives of service organizations to review a  |
|            | > claims folder at the desk of the accredited           |
|            | > representative.                                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***References***: For more information on             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the review of the claims folder, see [38 CFR        |
|            |     1.525](http://w                                     |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART1/S1_525.DOC), |
|            |     and                                                 |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   limited representation, see M21-1MR, Part I,        |
|            |     3.A.2.c.                                            |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 6. Honoring Requests for Exclusive Contact {#honoring-requests-for-exclusive-contact .unnumbered}

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > An attorney may request exclusive contact to restrict |
| troduction | > the communication between VA and the claimant. This   |
|  {#introdu | > topic contains a definition of ***exclusive           |
| ction-5 .u | > contact*** and information on                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | -   how to handle requests                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the station management's responsibility to ensure   |
|            |     that all requests are honored, and                  |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   the exceptions to honoring the request for          |
|            |     exclusive contact, including                        |
|            |                                                         |
|            | ```{=html}                                              |
|            | <!-- -->                                                |
|            | ```                                                     |
|            | -   decision notices                                    |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   restricted information                              |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   claimant inquiries, and                             |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   Congress or White House inquiries.                  |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > August 17, 2004                                       |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > The term ***exclusive contact*** refers to sending    |
|  a. Defini | > communications with the claimant directly to a        |
| tion: Excl | > representative and generally *not* communicating      |
| usive Cont | > directly with the claimant.                           |
| act {#a.-d |                                                         |
| efinition- | > ***Reference***: For more information on exceptions   |
| exclusive- | > to exclusive contact, see                             |
| contact .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | -   M21-1MR, Part I, 3.A.6.d                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   M21-1MR, Part I, 3.A.6.e                            |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   M21-1MR, Part I, 3.A.6.f, and                       |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   M21-1MR, Part I, 3.A.6.g.                           |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

6\. Honoring Requests for Exclusive Contact, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##         | > If an attorney requests exclusive contact in writing  |
| ### b. Han |                                                         |
| dling Requ | -   honor the request by generally *not* writing,       |
| ests {#b.- |     calling, or otherwise contacting the claimant, and  |
| handling-r |                                                         |
| equests .u | -   enter POA code 66 into BDN.                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | > ***Result***: During generate and display             |
|            | > (GAD)/generate and print (GAP) processing, the letter |
|            | > is suppressed.                                        |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Note***: POA code 66 denotes that the              |
|            | > representative has requested exclusive contact.       |
|            | >                                                       |
|            | > ***Important***: If the claimant is receiving         |
|            | > benefits, he/she may unavoidably receive some minor   |
|            | > correspondence that is generated out of the central   |
|            | > computer system. Notify the attorney of this          |
|            | > possibility.                                          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c    | > The Veterans Service Center Manager (VSCM) must       |
| . Station  | > ensure compliance with a POA representative's request |
| Management | > for exclusive contact. To avoid inadvertent contact   |
|  Responsib | > with someone other than the representative, the VSCM  |
| ility in H | > should consider                                       |
| onoring Re |                                                         |
| quests  {# | -   flashing the claims folder, and                     |
| c.-station |                                                         |
| -managemen | -   placing the file under level seven or above BDN     |
| t-responsi |     control.                                            |
| bility-in- |                                                         |
| honoring-r |                                                         |
| equests .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #          | > All decision notices, including statements of the     |
| #### d. Ex | > case (SOCs) and supplemental statements of the case   |
| ception: D | > (SSOCs) *must*, by law, be sent to the claimant with  |
| ecision No | > a copy sent to the attorney.                          |
| tices {#d. |                                                         |
| -exception | > ***Reference***: For more information on required     |
| -decision- | > decision notifications, see [38 U.S.C.                |
| notices .u | > 5104](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/               |
| nnumbered} | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00005104----000-.html). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

6\. Honoring Requests for Exclusive Contact, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ###        | > Access to information in the claims folder relating   |
| ## e. Exce | > to alcoholism, sickle cell anemia, drug abuse, and    |
| ption: Res | > human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is restricted. VA  |
| tricted In | > must obtain consent from the claimant prior to        |
| formation  | > disclosing any restricted information that is         |
| {#e.-excep | > protected under [38 U.S.C.                            |
| tion-restr | > 7332](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu/               |
| icted-info | uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00007332----000-.html). |
| rmation .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} | > Therefore, VA may contact the claimant directly       |
|            | > regarding such a consent, when requesting this        |
|            | > consent through counsel would itself constitute a     |
|            | > prohibited disclosure.                                |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > *Always* respond to a claimant's inquiry, but do not  |
|  f. Except | > provide information beyond the scope of the specific  |
| ion: Claim | > information requested by the claimant.                |
| ant Inquir |                                                         |
| ies {#f.-e |                                                         |
| xception-c |                                                         |
| laimant-in |                                                         |
| quiries .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > If a Member of Congress or the White House makes an   |
|  g. Except | > inquiry for information for official use              |
| ion: Congr |                                                         |
| ess or Whi | -   answer the inquiry, and                             |
| te House I |                                                         |
| nquiries { | -   advise the inquirer that the claimant's             |
| #g.-except |     representative has requested exclusive contact, but |
| ion-congre |     that the information is being furnished pursuant to |
| ss-or-whit |     the exceptions in [38 U.S.C.                        |
| e-house-in |     5701(b)(3)](http://assembler.law.cornell.edu        |
| quiries .u | /uscode/html/uscode38/usc_sec_38_00005701----000-.html) |
| nnumbered} |     and [38 CFR                                         |
|            |     1.507](http://w                                     |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART1/S1_506.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 7. Revoking and Terminating Representation

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains information on revoking and       |
| troduction | > terminating representation, including                 |
|  {#introdu |                                                         |
| ction-6 .u | -   when claimants may revoke or terminate              |
| nnumbered} |     representation                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when representatives may revoke or terminate        |
|            |     representation                                      |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   when representation is automatically revoked, and   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | -   how to handle revoked or terminated representation. |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > February 16, 2007                                     |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ####       | > A claimant, claimant's guardian, or VA fiduciary may  |
| # a. When  | > revoke or terminate his/her relationship with a       |
| Claimants  | > representative at any time by informing VA.           |
| May Revoke |                                                         |
|  or Termin | > ***Note***: In some instances, attorney fees may      |
| ate Repres | > still be payable.                                     |
| entation { |                                                         |
| #a.-when-c | > ***Reference***: For more information on attorney     |
| laimants-m | > fees when the attorney no longer represents the       |
| ay-revoke- | > claimant, see M21-1MR, Part I, 3.C.17.c.              |
| or-termina |                                                         |
| te-represe |                                                         |
| ntation .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > A representative may revoke or terminate his/her      |
| b. When Re | > representation of a VA claimant in the presence of an |
| presentati | > RO employee.                                          |
| ves May Re |                                                         |
| voke or Te | > ***Note***: If the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA)   |
| rminate Re | > has jurisdiction over the claims folder, the          |
| presentati | > representative must obtain permission from BVA to     |
| on {#b.-wh | > revoke or terminate his/her representation.           |
| en-represe |                                                         |
| ntatives-m | > ***Reference***: For more information on withdrawing  |
| ay-revoke- | > representation before the BVA, see [38 CFR            |
| or-termina | > 20.608](http://www                                    |
| te-represe | .warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART20/S20_608.DOC). |
| ntation .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

Continued on next page

7\. Revoking and Terminating Representation, Continued

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > If an unlimited declaration of representation is      |
| c. When Re | > received, the new declaration revokes the old         |
| presentati | > declaration of representation.                        |
| on Is Auto |                                                         |
| matically  | > If a limited declaration is received, any prior       |
| Revoked {# | > unlimited declaration of representation remains in    |
| c.-when-re | > effect for all other claims or issues *not* named in  |
| presentati | > the limited declaration of representation.            |
| on-is-auto |                                                         |
| matically- | > ***Note***: When in doubt of the scope or             |
| revoked .u | > authenticity of the declaration, request              |
| nnumbered} | > clarification from the claimant. Back-file any such   |
|            | > clarification in the claims file.                     |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### d.   | > Annotate the revoked or terminated declaration of     |
|  Handling  | > representation and return it to the prior             |
| Revoked or | > representative. Keep a copy of the revoked            |
|  Terminate | > declaration of representation on the right hand side  |
| d Represen | > of the claims folder.                                 |
| tation {#d |                                                         |
| .-handling |                                                         |
| -revoked-o |                                                         |
| r-terminat |                                                         |
| ed-represe |                                                         |
| ntation .u |                                                         |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

#### 8. Representation After the Veteran's Death

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### In   | > This topic contains the general policy for            |
| troduction | > representation after the death of a veteran and an    |
|  {#introdu | > exception to the general policy for pending claims.   |
| ction-7 .u | > In addition, this topic contains information on how   |
| nnumbered} | > to terminate a relationship with a representative     |
|            | > after the death of a veteran.                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### C    | > August 17, 2004                                       |
| hange Date |                                                         |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | > Representation based on a POA signed by the veteran   |
| a. General | > during his/her lifetime ends with the death of the    |
|  Policy {# | > veteran.                                              |
| a.-general |                                                         |
| -policy .u | > In order for the same representative to represent a   |
| nnumbered} | > survivor, the survivor must execute a separate POA.   |
|            |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on this general |
|            | > policy, see *Smith (Irma) v. Brown, 10 Vet. App. 330  |
|            | > (1997)*.                                              |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### b    | > If the representative was recognized with respect to  |
| . Exceptio | > a claim pending at the time of the veteran's death,   |
| n: Pending | > the representative may continue to be recognized as   |
|  Claims {# | > the representative of survivors who are pursuing the  |
| b.-excepti | > claim for accrued benefits until the underlying issue |
| on-pending | > which was pending at the time of the veteran's death  |
| -claims .u | > is resolved.                                          |
| nnumbered} |                                                         |
|            | > ***Reference***: For more information on              |
|            | > representation for pending claims, see [38 CFR        |
|            | > 1.525(d)](http://w                                    |
|            | ww.warms.vba.va.gov/regs/38CFR/BOOKA/PART1/S1_525.DOC). |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| ##### c.   | > A claimant pursuing an accrued claim after the        |
| Terminatio | > veteran's death can terminate a relationship with a   |
| n of Repre | > representative who was representing the veteran on    |
| sentation  | > the underlying issue prior to the veteran's death by  |
| After Vete |                                                         |
| ran's Deat | -   appointing a new representative, or                 |
| h {#c.-ter |                                                         |
| mination-o | -   specifically terminating the representational       |
| f-represen |     relationship.                                       |
| tation-aft |                                                         |
| er-veteran |     > ***Reference***: For information on a claimant    |
| s-death .u |     > terminating representation, see M21-1MR, Part I,  |
| nnumbered} |     > 3.A.7.a.                                          |
+------------+---------------------------------------------------------+