VA BENEFITS REFERENCE
VA Form 21-22 Vs 21-22a
Form 21-22 generally appoints a recognized Veterans Service Organization. Form 21-22a appoints an individual, usually an accredited attorney or claims agent. The choice depends on who will represent you.
Use Form 21-22 For A VSO
Ask the accredited VSO representative which recognized organization to enter on Form 21-22. The form identifies both the organization and the official acting for it. The usual appointment covers the organization, so more than one of its accredited representatives may help with your claim.
Do not substitute the name of an unrelated business or merely the building where you met. Confirm the organization and the representative's accreditation before signing. VSO assistance provided under this appointment does not carry a representation fee.
Use Form 21-22a For An Individual
Use Form 21-22a when appointing an accredited attorney or claims agent in an individual capacity. Check the named person in VA's accreditation directory and contact them to confirm they will accept the appointment.
The form also accommodates the narrow authorization under 38 CFR 14.630 for an individual to help with one particular claim. That route requires the prescribed statement that no compensation will be charged or paid, and ordinarily may be used by the individual only once. It is not a paid-consultant exception to accreditation requirements.
Read The Scope And Consent Choices
Review the authorization fields rather than treating the document as a signature-only form. The forms address access to protected records and permission to change your VA address. Form 21-22a also addresses authorized disclosure to affiliated personnel and allows an attorney or agent to specify limits on representation.
Ask what each selection authorizes and which matters the representative will handle. These are VA representation documents. Do not assume that selecting a representative automatically answers every records-access question or appoints that person for an unrelated matter.
Complete And Submit The Appointment
Use the version linked from VA's current form page. Review your identifying information, the representative designation, applicable authorizations, and signatures. VA requires both the claimant's and representative's signatures for an ordinary appointment; an unsigned acceptance is not a completed appointment.
VA lists online form preparation, QuickSubmit upload, mail, and in-person options. Follow the current instructions for the type of benefit or proceeding. Keep the completed form and proof of submission, and ask the representative to confirm the appointment has reached the appropriate office.
Keep The Claim And Fee Agreement Separate
An appointment form authorizes representation; it does not itself request disability compensation or decision review. Agree on who will make any pending claim or review submission and how you will receive a copy.
Form 21-22a also does not replace a required fee agreement. A new appointment generally revokes an existing appointment unless the applicable limited-scope arrangement says otherwise. Discuss existing representation and any fee agreement before signing a replacement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Form 21-22a always mean paid representation?
No. Fees depend on separate legal requirements and an applicable fee agreement. Form 21-22a also supports the narrow unpaid one-claim authorization described in 38 CFR 14.630.
Can I send only my signature page?
Submit the completed appointment with the required identifying information, designation, authorizations, and signatures. Keep a complete copy for your records.
Official Sources
Last verified 2026-10-25. Source publication or legal effective dates are shown separately where available.
- www.va.gov/forms/21-22/
- www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-22-ARE.pdf
- www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/
- www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-14.631
- www.va.gov/forms/21-22a/
- www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-22A-ARE.pdf
- www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-14.630
- www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/section-14.636
Check The Source. Get Accredited Help.
Use this resource to understand published information. VA and the official decision control individual benefits.