Veterans & Military · Surprise rank #415
Filing a VA Claim? Get a Trained Accredited VSO Representative for Free
VA-accredited Veterans Service Organization representatives can help with benefit claims and decision reviews without charging you for their representation.
Who
Veterans, service members, survivors and other eligible VA claimants who want help with a VA benefits matter.
What to do
Start here: Use VA’s accredited-representative search to locate a VSO representative and verify accreditation before signing representation paperwork.
Eligibility: You need a VA benefits issue and must appoint an accredited representative if you want that person to formally act for you before VA.
What you get
An accredited VSO representative can help gather evidence, prepare and file a VA claim, communicate with VA and assist with a request for decision review.
Benefit: Free accredited claims representation from a VSO representative.
Possible value: Potentially hundreds or thousands of dollars in avoided professional fees, depending on the complexity of the claim; the representative does not guarantee a benefit award.
Good to know
Important: VSO representation is free, but accredited attorneys and claims agents may charge fees in circumstances allowed by VA rules. Accreditation matters—do not assume any “veterans consultant” is authorized.
Availability: Active
Why people miss it: Veterans may think claims help requires paying a private company, even though accredited VSO representation is specifically available at no charge.
Sources reviewed: Aug 10, 2026