What's the difference between a VA-accredited claims agent and a VA-accredited attorney?

Q: What's the difference between a VA-accredited claims agent and a VA-accredited attorney?

Both are authorized by the VA Office of General Counsel to represent veterans for a fee under 38 CFR § 14.629. Attorneys are licensed lawyers and can additionally represent veterans in federal court (CAVC and Federal Circuit). Claims agents specialize in VA claims and appeals through the Board of Veterans' Appeals but cannot appear in federal court. Fee rules, the 20% presumption, and the no-fee-on-initial-claims rule are identical for both.

Last verified July 1, 2026 · Reviewed by Esteban Magallon, VA-Accredited Claims Agent

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Neither role provides legal advice outside VA practice.
Claims agents must pass a written OGC exam and complete continuing education.
If your case is appealed to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC), an accredited agent will refer you to a CAVC-admitted attorney.

This is general educational information about VA claims — not legal or medical advice. Individual outcomes depend on the record. Oakridge Claims is a private VA-Accredited Claims Agent practice and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

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What's the difference between a VA-accredited claims agent and a VA-accredited attorney?

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