How to become a VA Accredited Claims Agent

Non-attorney path: step-by-step

Dr. Troy Richardson

1) Apply for accreditation (VA Form 21a)

Complete VA Form 21a (Application for Accreditation as a Claims Agent or Attorney) and submit it to VA OGC (mail, fax, or email PDF attachment).
VA warns incomplete applications won’t be processed.

2) Character & fitness review

VA evaluates your character and fitness as part of the accreditation process.
Practical reality: VA notes claims-agent applications take, on average, about 1 year to process.

3) Get approved to sit for the Claims Agent Exam

If your initial eligibility is established, VA will send instructions to arrange your exam.

4) Pass the VA Claims Agent Exam

You must score 75% or higher on the written exam to be accredited.
Retake limit: no more than twice in any 6-month period.
VA OGC gives the exam online several times per year; the OGC page lists the next exam date as January 27, 2026 and outlines topic areas (compensation/pension, procedures, appeals, fees, waiver of indebtedness).

5) Receive VA accreditation (then get appointed per client)

Once accredited, you can represent a specific claimant only after they appoint you on VA Form 21-22a (Appointment of Attorney or Agent as Claimant’s Representative).

After you’re accredited: keep it active and compliant

Continuing Legal Education (CLE)

3 hours of qualifying CLE required within the first 12 months after initial accreditation.
Then another 3 hours due no later than 3 years after initial accreditation, and every 2 years thereafter.

Fees: when you can charge

Only accredited agents/attorneys may charge fees for VA representation, and fees are limited by specific timing/rules (generally tied to an initial decision + proper appointment/fee agreement).

Important marketing restriction

VA accreditation is only for representation before VA and can’t be used to market financial products or promote a financial services business.

Quick checklist