Learn how to obtain and maintain VA accreditation, view webinars for VA accreditation, and locate organizations with pro bono opportunities. Note that VCAN is no longer accepting new VA claims cases.
ABA Veterans Claims Assistance Network
VA Accreditation for Attorneys
VA Accreditation Information
This section includes basic information on VA accreditation. However, we also encourage you to conduct your own research on current VA accreditation information by visiting the VA accreditation website, and contact the VA Office of General Counsel at [email protected] with any questions.
Initial Accreditation:
The VA requires all attorneys handling veterans disability benefits claims to be accredited by the VA. To apply for initial VA accreditation, submit VA Form 21a with a recently dated certificate of good standing from all state bars, courts, or Federal or state agencies to which you are admitted to the VA Office of General Counsel via email to [email protected], or by the mail address or fax number provided by the VA Office of General Counsel.
Reaccreditation Requirements and Timeline:
To maintain your VA accreditation after your initial accreditation, you must:
- Complete 3 hours of qualifying continuing legal education (CLE) requirements during the first 12-month period following the date of initial accreditation by VA, and an additional 3 hours no later than 3 years from the date of your accreditation, and every 2 years thereafter;
- Provide a copy of your training certificate or certify in writing to VA's Office of the General Counsel your completion of the qualifying CLE, including the CLE title, date, time, and provider; and
- Submit to VA's Office of the General Counsel an annual certification of good standing for any court, bar, or federal or state agency to which you are admitted to practice. (See 38 C.F.R. §14.629(b)).
Required CLE Notification:
After completing each CLE training as required, send to the VA Office of General Counsel written certification that you completed the training. VA regulations do not specify a particular form of proof for verifying attendance at qualifying CLE. Instead, VA regulations require that accredited agents and attorneys certify in writing to VA's Office of the General Counsel that they have completed qualifying CLE. The certification must include the title of the CLE, the date and time of the CLE, and identification of the CLE provider. You may contact the VA Office of General Counsel by email at [email protected].
Additional Webinars and Locate Organizations
The ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel (LAMP) periodically sponsors or hosts CLE programs that focus on legal issues faced by both military personnel and veterans. Visit http://ambar.org/lampcle.
On www.ABAHomeFront.org, visit the Directory of Programs to find contact information for local organizations that assistance military families, veterans, and their families.
Visit the ABA Military and Veterans Legal Center's initiatives, including the ABA Military Pro Bono Project.
Visit ABA Free Legal Answers for Veterans, a virtual legal advice portal where veterans can ask civil legal questions and receive answers from pro bono attorneys. Attorneys with VA accreditation can volunteer to answer questions from veterans with questions including VA benefits, discharge upgrades, and similar veterans’ legal issues.