Free help with your VA claim
You never have to pay anyone to file a VA claim. Trained, accredited veterans service officers do it for free, every day.
You never have to pay for help filing a VA claim. Accredited Veterans Service Organization representatives are always free, and federal law bars anyone from charging you to prepare or file an initial claim, so walk away from any company that asks for a cut of your back pay. Before you share your information, look up the person or group with VA's accredited representative search at va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/find-rep, which uses the VA Office of General Counsel's accreditation records.
Where to find free, accredited help
VA accredited representative search
Look up any person or organization before you share your information. Only accredited reps, agents and attorneys can help with VA claims.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Free claim help from national service officers in VA regional offices nationwide.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Free accredited service officers; you do not need to be a member.
The American Legion
Free accredited claim help through department service officers.
Your county or state veterans service office
Many counties have a local veterans service officer you can meet in person. Your state veterans agency can point you to yours.
Signs of a claim shark
- They want a fee, a percentage of your back pay, or a "consulting" contract for an initial claim.
- They promise a specific rating or say they have a secret way to raise yours.
- They ask for your VA.gov or Login.gov password.
- They are not listed in the VA accreditation search.