The simple answer is yes — your veterans benefits lawyer definitely should always be VA accredited. This accreditation means the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved this lawyer to assist you with your benefits application. It’s technically against federal law for a non-accredited agent to assist you with the process — in most cases. But as with most things that have to do with the government, there are loopholes that can make it okay for a non-accredited lawyer to assist you. Make sure you know who you’re dealing with before you make a commitment.
Why VA Accreditation for Your Veterans Benefits Lawyer Matters
Think of VA accreditation as a stamp of approval. It’s essentially the VA saying that these representatives have the correct training, resume, and expertise to guide you through the claims process. What’s more, the VA doesn’t give accreditation to just anyone. Accreditation is granted to attorneys, agents, and representatives of service organizations that apply and are able to prove their qualifications.
What Can a VA-Accredited Lawyer Do for You?
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA-accredited lawyers can help applicants with the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of their claim. Having this type of legal aid is beneficial in both providing you support and it streamlines the process.
That doesn’t mean that a non-accredited lawyer can’t provide assistance to veterans in other legal matters. But the logistics behind applying for benefits must be handled by a representative with the proper credentials.
You May Qualify for Legal Assistance
With all these stipulations in place, finding a lawyer may seem like a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be! There are several ways to connect to a veterans benefits lawyer in your area that works on contingency. This means your lawyer cannot charge you any money for help until after you receive benefits. In fact, the easiest way to find a lawyer is right here on this website.
If you’re ready to start your search for the right lawyer, let us lead the way. Our services can help you connect to an attorney that best fits your needs.
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free online benefits evaluation now!
Get Your Free Benefits Evaluation
Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.
