VETERAN CLAIMS GUIDE

Find Help With Your VA Claim

Find VA-accredited representatives, free VSO help and official VA filing tools. Know who you are working with.

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MAKE THE FIRST CONVERSATION COUNT

Bring Your Questions.
Know Who Is Helping.

Gather your decision notice, relevant deadlines and a short list of the issues you want to discuss. Ask what the representative can help with, how you will communicate and which documents to bring.

Check the individual’s accreditation through VA. A professional-looking website, military background or promise of a larger rating is not a substitute for that check.

Understand Accredited Representation

FREE ACCREDITED HELP

Find A VSO Representative

A VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization representative can help you understand benefits, prepare a claim, and review a decision at no charge.

Use VA’s search to look for an accredited representative or recognized organization, then ask about appointment availability and what to bring.

Search VA’s Representative Directory

FILE DIRECTLY WITH VA

Use Official VA Tools

You can apply directly with VA. Review the filing instructions, sign in through VA’s official website, and keep your submission confirmation.

Do not send personal records to this guide. Send them only through the official or verified representative’s process.

Go To VA Filing Instructions

UNDERSTAND REPRESENTATION

Verify Attorneys And Claims Agents

VA-accredited attorneys and claims agents may provide representation. Fees are subject to specific rules and generally cannot be charged for preparing an initial claim before VA issues an initial decision.

Verify accreditation, review the written agreement, and ask what services and costs it covers before signing.

Check VA Accreditation

Questions To Ask Before You Share Records

Are you currently accredited by VA, and how can I verify that?
Will your help be free? If there are fees, when and how do they apply?
Who will work on my claim, and how do I contact them?
How will you protect my records and send documents to VA?
What deadlines do I need to act on now?

Read The Guide To Finding Accredited Help

Official Support

For VA benefits questions, call 800-827-1000. Confirm current hours on VA.gov.

If you are in crisis, call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or use the Veterans Crisis Line chat. You do not need to be enrolled in VA benefits to connect.

Official VA Contact Information