How much does a VA-accredited claims agent cost?
Last verified July 1, 2026 · Reviewed by Esteban Magallon, VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Details
- Initial claims: no fee, by federal regulation. 38 CFR § 14.636(c).
- Appeals, supplemental claims, higher-level reviews, and Board appeals: a written fee agreement is required and the fee comes out of past-due (back) pay only.
- 20% is presumed reasonable by the VA. Anything above 33.3% is presumed unreasonable.
- Ongoing monthly benefits are never touched — the fee is a one-time percentage of the retroactive lump sum.
- If nothing is won on the appeal, nothing is owed.
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.