Free VA Claim Help: VSOs Before Paying Anyone
Help with a VA disability claim is available free from VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives. VA's own words: "The services that an accredited VSO representative provides on your VA benefit claim are always free." Look one up with VA's accredited representative search before paying anyone.
- 130% rating 30 squares
- 220% rating 14 squares
- 3Efficiency left 56%
- 4Combined 40%
Who VA accredits
VA's Office of General Counsel accredits three kinds of representatives: Veterans Service Organization (VSO) representatives, attorneys and claims agents. With a VSO you usually appoint the organization, and can then work with any of its representatives without a new form.
When fees are allowed
Attorneys and claims agents may charge only after VA has decided the initial claim, with a fee agreement signed by the veteran and the representative and a VA Form 21-22a on file. Before that point, help on an initial claim from an attorney or claims agent is free if it is offered at all.
The law on unaccredited help
Under 38 U.S.C. 5901, no individual may act as an agent or attorney in the preparation, presentation, or prosecution of any claim unless recognized by the Secretary for that purpose. A 2023 amendment requires VA's websites to warn claimants about unauthorized individuals. If someone who is not accredited offers to prepare or present a claim for a fee, VA lets you file a complaint about them.
What to bring to a representative
- The latest rating decision letter, which lists each condition, its percentage and the combined rating.
- Medical records, and any statements from people who have seen the condition.
- A list of dependents, since from 30% a spouse, children and dependent parents change the monthly amount.
The calculator shows how VA combines the ratings on the letter, and the condition pages list the criteria for each level, which helps when discussing whether an increase is supported. For the math itself, see why 50% and 50% is not 100%.
How Rating Ledger handles this
Rating Ledger takes no payment from claim consultants, law firms or claim companies and does not refer veterans to them. The free route is shown on every page because it costs nothing and is the one the law sets up.
Sources
- VA, VA accredited representative FAQs, checked 2026-10-20.
- VA, Find a VA-accredited representative or VSO, checked 2026-10-20.
- 38 U.S.C. 5901, checked 2026-10-20.
Questions
Do VSO representatives charge for help with a VA claim?
No. VA states that the services an accredited VSO representative provides on a VA benefit claim are always free.
When can an attorney or claims agent charge?
Only after VA has decided the initial claim, with a fee agreement signed by the veteran and the representative and VA Form 21-22a on file with VA.
Is it legal for an unaccredited company to charge for help preparing a claim?
38 U.S.C. 5901 says no individual may act as an agent or attorney in the preparation, presentation or prosecution of a claim unless VA has recognized them for that purpose. VA lets you file a complaint about someone who is not accredited.