Accredited representation
Verify accreditation and arrange the right appointment if you choose representation.
Verify the representative and scope
VA’s accreditation resources identify representatives. Their role, availability, appointment process and any applicable fees should be confirmed before sharing documents.
Appointing a representative
Educational references can explain terms and point to official sources. To appoint someone to help with an individual claim, use VA’s accreditation search and the appropriate appointment form.
Example
Fictional example: Alex verifies a VSO representative through VA’s search, asks about availability and uses the applicable appointment form. Reading an educational site or contacting the office does not itself appoint a representative.