Getting Help With a VA Disability Claim

Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives

Accredited VSO representatives can help gather evidence, file a claim, request a decision review, and communicate with VA. Their services on VA benefit claims are always free. Common organizations include Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and The American Legion; availability and local services vary.

Use VA's recognized-VSO directory and ask the local representative whether they can take your case. Keep your own copies of forms and notices, and make sure VA has the correct appointment form on file.

VA: Get help from an accredited representative or VSO · VA: Recognized Veterans Service Organizations

Attorneys and claims agents

VA-accredited attorneys and claims agents can represent veterans before VA. They may charge fees in some stages of a claim, but federal rules restrict fees for preparing and filing an initial claim. Ask for a written fee agreement, understand when a fee can be charged, and confirm the person is accredited before sharing records or signing forms.

Search the VA Office of General Counsel accreditation database by name and state. Accreditation is for representation before VA; it is not a guarantee of results or a recommendation by VA.

VA Office of General Counsel: Accreditation Search · VA: Get help from an accredited representative or VSO

Avoid claims predators

Be cautious of companies that promise a guaranteed 100% rating, claim they can speed up a decision, demand a large share of future benefits, or pressure you to sign a contract immediately. You should not pay an unaccredited company to file an initial claim. Never share VA.gov passwords or sign blank forms. Verify credentials directly with VA and keep copies of every agreement and submission.

VA: Protecting veterans from claims predators · VA Office of General Counsel: Accreditation Search

Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits

Aid and Attendance and Housebound are additional payment categories, not automatic ratings for being older. They may be available through VA pension for eligible veterans and survivors who meet pension and care or housebound requirements. Veterans receiving service-connected compensation may have a separate Special Monthly Compensation route when service-connected conditions create a qualifying need. The applicable program, service and income rules differ, so check the VA requirements before applying.

VA pension is generally needs-based and is different from disability compensation, which is based on service-connected disabilities rather than income or net worth. Ask a VA-accredited representative which benefit category fits your circumstances.

VA: Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits · VA Form 21-2680: Aid and Attendance or Housebound application · VA: Special Monthly Compensation rates · VA: Pension and disability compensation differences

Help if you are also dealing with other systems

VA, Social Security, and immigration proceedings have different representatives, forms, and deadlines. A VA-accredited representative may not be qualified to represent you before SSA or an immigration court. Ask about the person's authority for each agency and keep each case's notices separate.

SSA five-step disability process · SSA appeals process · Immigration court process · Finding an immigration lawyer

Deadlines do not pause while you look for help

Finding a representative does not automatically extend a VA filing or appeal deadline. For most compensation decisions, the one-year decision-review period is important, and some notices have shorter limits. If time is short, use the instructions in the decision letter and contact VA or a VA-accredited representative promptly.

VA appeals and decision-review deadlines · VA: Decision review deadlines and FAQs