Get help filing your claim or appeal 
If you need help filing a claim or appeal , you may want to work with an accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a Veterans Service Officer VSO. We trust these professionals because they re trained and certified in the VA claims and appeals processes and can help you with VA - related needs. VSOs work on behalf of Veterans and service members as well as their dependents and survivors. Find out more about accredited representatives and how they can help you. 

What does it take to be an accredited representative or a VSO? 
Accredited representatives and VSOs need to : Pass an exam Pass a background check Take continuing - education courses to make sure they re providing the most up - to - date information Recognized organizations and individuals can legally represent a Veteran, service member, dependent, or survivor before VA . Non - recognized organizations and individuals can provide information, but can t be representatives. 

What does an accredited representative or a VSO do? 
Accredited representatives and VSOs can help you understand and apply for VA benefits, like : Financial support monthly payments Education Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment VR&E Home loans Life insurance Pension Health care Burial benefits These trained professionals can also : Help you gather supporting documents like a doctor s report or medical test results File a claim or appeal on your behalf Provide added support, like helping with transportation to medical appointments or emergency funds Note: Veterans Service Officers work for Veterans Service Organizations both are called VSOs, as well as for local government offices. 

What does it cost to use an accredited representative or a VSO? 
In general , no individual or organization may charge you a fee to help you file your initial application for benefits. But they may charge you for unusual expenses. It s only after we ve made a decision about your original claim that VA - accredited claims

user: Hi, I need to file a claim but am uncertain how to go about doing it. Is there help for someone like me?

assistant: Do you need help filing a claim or an appeal?

user: No I don't need help filing a claim, thank you.

user: I have an accredited representative helping me with my claim but I feel the charges are too high, what can I do?

assistant: If you feel that the representative's fees are too high you can challenge the fees. You can find more information in the How to Challenge a Fee guide.

user: I would like to become an accredited representative or a VSO what qualifications are required for this?

assistant: If you would like to become an accredited representative or a VSO you will need to pass an exam and a background check and take continuing education courses to make sure you are providing the most up-to-date information.

user: Who is the best person to help me with the filing of my appeal?

assistant: If you need help you may want to work with an accredited attorney, or a claims agent, or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO).

user: What is a VSO?

assistant: Veterans Service Officers work for the Veterans Service Organizations both are called VSOs.

user: Will a VSO help service member's survivors?

assistant: Yes VSOs work on behalf of both Veterans and service members and their dependents and survivors.