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: Hey, how is it going?. I pretend to file a claim and wanted to know if i can get help to do that, please?

assistant: I understand you are in need of help to file a claim or appeal?

user: Yeah, that's correct.

assistant: Good, in that case, you may want to work with an accredited attorney, a claim agent or a Veterans Service Officer. We recommend you these professionals because they are trained and certified in the VA claims and appeals processes.

user: Ah, i see, And those VSO are meant to help me?

assistant: That's right. VSOs work on behalf of veterans and service members as well their dependents and survivors.

user: Well, certainly it sounds very good but, do i have to pay something for that professional?

assistant: By general rule, you can't be charged for any of this assistance. But if there are some unusual expenses, a charge may appear.

assistant: Do you know of a case where a agent or attorney have been charging too high?

user: Yeah, i think i know someone.

assistant: O.k, if you are sure about, it, then you can challenge it, so an investigation starts.

user: O.k, i'll keep that in mind. Please, besides a VSO, there is a possibility that i can work with an attorney or claim agent, isn't?

assistant: Totally correct. You have that possibility.