Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representative
Always free. This is where most veterans should start. VSOs include groups such as the American Legion and the VFW. County and state veterans service officers can help too.
Free tool
Claims Help, the Safe Way
Filing a VA claim does not have to cost you anything. Here is how to find free, accredited help, how to check who you are dealing with, and how to spot a claim shark.
Free help comes first
VA says only three kinds of people are accredited to help you with a claim. Anyone else who offers to prepare or file it is not on that list.
Accredited attorney
May charge a fee, but only after VA has made a decision on your first claim, and only if you signed a fee agreement. Some work for free on first claims.
Accredited claims agent
Same fee rules as an attorney. Claims agents are not lawyers, but they pass a VA test and are accredited by VA.
The rule in one sentence: a VSO representative never charges. An attorney or claims agent may charge only after VA decides your first claim, with a signed fee agreement, and VA must have received Form 21-22a naming them.
Find an accredited representative
Use VA’s own tool to find one near you and name them as your representative. You can also ask your state or county veterans office for a free service officer.
Check before you sign
- Search for the person or group in VA’s Accreditation Search. If the name does not appear, they are not accredited right now.
- Ask for every fee in writing before you sign anything. A VSO representative will say there is no fee.
- Make sure VA has received Form 21-22 (for a VSO) or Form 21-22a (for an attorney or claims agent). No one can represent you before VA without one.
- Never share your VA.gov or ID.me password, your bank login or a gift card number. A real representative does not need them.
- Take your time. A real helper will not rush you.
Signs of a claim shark
- Asks you to pay money to prepare or file your first claim.
- Promises a higher rating or faster results for a fee.
- Calls itself a “coach” or “consultant” and is not on VA’s accreditation list.
- Wants a percentage of your future or back pay, but is not accredited.
- Asks for your VA.gov or ID.me login, or wants to “file for you” using your account.
- Pressures you to act right now, or asks for gift cards, wire transfers or payment apps.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says only VA-accredited representatives are permitted to help veterans with benefit claims. An unaccredited company that bills you may even send the bill to a debt collector. Do not pay in a hurry. Check, then report it.
If you were scammed or overcharged
- Stop all contact with the person or company. Save every message, receipt and paper.
- Call your bank or card company right away. Report gift card and money transfer scams to the company that issued them.
- Report claim sharks to VA’s fraud line, VSAFE, at 1-833-38V-SAFE (1-833-388-7233) or at VSAFE.gov.
- You can also report to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If your identity was stolen, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
- Think an accredited attorney or claims agent charged too much? You can ask VA’s Office of General Counsel to review the fee, but act quickly.
Ready to start your claim?
The Benefit Finder walks you through disability claims step by step and gives you a checklist you can print.
Information last checked: October 2026. Rules change. Confirm with VA.gov before you act.
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