VA BENEFITS REFERENCE
Changing Or Revoking A VA Representative
You may revoke a VA appointment or discharge an attorney or agent at any time. Make the change clearly, preserve pending work, and address any fee agreement as a separate matter.
Decide Whether You Are Replacing Or Revoking
Replacing someone means appointing a new representative. Revoking means ending an appointment, whether or not you have chosen another person. VA's representative FAQ explains that you may discharge your representative for any reason and should promptly tell the former representative.
If you want to cancel without a replacement, VA lists a call to its benefits line or a written request among the options. Keep a record of the request and ask VA to confirm who remains listed. Telling the former office alone may leave uncertainty about VA's record.
Check The Scope Of A New Appointment
Ordinarily, VA's receipt of a properly executed new appointment revokes the existing one unless you specifically indicate otherwise. Contact the incoming representative first, complete the correct form, and obtain both required signatures. An informal conversation does not substitute for the appointment.
Limited representation needs particular care. Under 38 CFR 14.631(f)(2), an attorney's or agent's appointment for a particular claim can displace a general appointment only for that claim while it is pending. Ask each office which issues it will handle so the scope is clear.
Arrange The Transfer Of Pending Work
Give the new representative your recent decisions, copies of submissions, and any dates requiring a response. Ask who will handle each outstanding task during the transition. Changing representatives is not a decision-review request, so continue to treat the dates in your notices as active unless an applicable rule provides otherwise.
Request copies of your documents and a summary of what has been filed or remains unfinished. The regulation also sets duties when a representative withdraws, including notice and steps to protect the claimant's interests. Withdrawal by the representative and discharge by you are different events.
Address The Existing Fee Agreement
Ending representation does not automatically void an attorney's or agent's fee agreement. Keep the agreement and ask for a written explanation of any fee the former representative expects to seek. Share that information with the incoming representative.
For contingent fees when representation ends before an award, the current rule measures a reasonable fee by the former representative's contribution and responsibility for the benefits awarded. Do not assume either that no fee can remain or that the full contracted percentage is automatically owed.
Confirm The Change And Read Later Notices
Keep your revocation or replacement form, delivery confirmation, and correspondence with both offices. Check VA's representative information and follow up if it still shows an appointment you intended to end. Ask where future notices will be sent.
If a fee allocation notice later arrives, review it promptly. Current OGC guidance gives 60 days from that notice to request review of a default allocation; a dispute over direct-payment eligibility belongs in a Board appeal. Use the procedure appropriate to the specific dispute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch to free VSO assistance?
Yes, if the VSO accepts the representation and the appointment is completed. A switch does not automatically cancel a former attorney's or agent's fee agreement.
Does appointing a new representative file my appeal?
No. Representation and the required decision-review submission are separate. Confirm who will file the review request and preserve proof of filing.
Official Sources
Last verified 2026-10-25. Source publication or legal effective dates are shown separately where available.
- www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-14.631
- www.va.gov/resources/va-accredited-representative-faqs/
- www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/
- www.va.gov/decision-reviews/
- www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-14.636
- www.va.gov/OGC/docs/Accred/TipsonFeeAgreementsforVeteransClaims.pdf
- www.va.gov/OGC/docs/Accred/FactSheet_ChallengingFeeAllocation.pdf
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