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: Hello, I am here to learn more about the costs connected with using a veteran service officer.

assistant: Of course. 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.

assistant: Do you believe a claims agent or attorney charged a fee that s too high?

user: Yes. Let's put it like this, I have concerns about that.

assistant: In that case you could challenge the fee. 

user: I was planning to do that, but thank you for reassuring me. Another question, what should I do after filling out the forms needed for a representative? I just finished doing so and would like to know which steps to take next.

assistant: You'll need to mail them to your nearest VA regional office. Please speak to the service organization or representative before you send your request.

user: I see. Let's say I'm planning to have a claims agent help me. What do I need to do for that?

assistant: You'll need to fill out an Appointment of Individual as Claimant's Representative VA Form 21-22a.

user: Got it, thank you. By the way, what does VSO mean? I have read this several times in the documents.

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