You have the right to appoint a representative to help you with your VA disability claim at any stage of the process. Representatives include Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) like the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and many others, accredited attorneys, and accredited claims agents. VSOs provide free representation and are the most common choice. They have trained service officers who can help you prepare and submit claims, gather evidence, and navigate the appeals process. Attorneys and claims agents typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they only charge a fee if they win benefits for you. Attorney fees are limited by law and are usually 20 to 33 percent of retroactive benefits. To appoint a representative, you file a VA form designating your chosen representative. This gives them access to your claims file and the authority to act on your behalf. You can change your representative at any time by filing a new designation form. Having a knowledgeable representative can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim, especially for complex cases or appeals. Representatives understand the rating criteria, know what evidence is most persuasive, and can identify issues that you might miss. Even if you filed your initial claim on your own, consider getting representation for appeals or complicated claims.
Note: This article references sections of the VA's M21-1 Adjudication Procedures Manual. The VA periodically reorganizes the M21-1 and section numbers may have changed since this article was written. For the most current section references, visit the VA's public M21-1 Web Automated Reference Material System (WARMS).