Do I need a lawyer for a VA disability appeal?
Last verified July 1, 2026 · Reviewed by Esteban Magallon, VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Details
- For most appeals — HLR, Supplemental, Board — an accredited agent and an accredited attorney offer the same scope of representation.
- At CAVC level, an accredited agent will refer the case to a CAVC-admitted attorney under EAJA (Equal Access to Justice Act) fee-shifting rules.
Related
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.