VA-Accredited Claims Agent vs. VA-Accredited Attorney
Updated July 15, 2026 · Reviewed by Esteban Magallon, VA-Accredited Claims Agent
Both are authorized by the VA Office of General Counsel to represent veterans for a fee. The difference is where they can practice and what happens if a case is appealed beyond the Board of Veterans' Appeals.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | VA-Accredited Claims Agent | VA-Accredited Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| OGC accreditation required | Yes | Yes |
| Fee on initial claims | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Fee on appeals | 20%–33⅓% of past-due (20% presumed reasonable) | 20%–33⅓% of past-due (20% presumed reasonable) |
| Higher-Level Review | Yes | Yes |
| Supplemental Claim | Yes | Yes |
| Board of Veterans' Appeals | Yes | Yes |
| CAVC (federal court) | No — refers to attorney | Yes (if CAVC-admitted) |
| State bar license | Not required | Required |
| Continuing education | OGC CLE required | State bar CLE + OGC CLE |
Bottom line
For work at VA-level (HLR, Supplemental, Board), an accredited agent and an accredited attorney offer identical authority and identical fee caps. Choose an attorney up front only if you expect the case to reach federal court; otherwise either can carry the case, and an agent can refer to a CAVC-admitted attorney if that day comes.
Related
Frequently Asked Questions
VA-Accredited Claims Agent vs. VA-Accredited Attorney
Fee rules and VA-level scope are identical: both can charge only on appeals, both follow the same VA fee rules (20% presumed reasonable, up to 33⅓% allowed if justified under 38 CFR § 14.636), and neither can charge on an initial claim. Attorneys can additionally practice in the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) and Federal Circuit; claims agents cannot and will refer those cases to an admitted attorney.
Which is better: VA-Accredited Claims Agent or VA-Accredited Attorney?
For work at VA-level (HLR, Supplemental, Board), an accredited agent and an accredited attorney offer identical authority and identical fee caps. Choose an attorney up front only if you expect the case to reach federal court; otherwise either can carry the case, and an agent can refer to a CAVC-admitted attorney if that day comes.
Oakridge Claims is a private business and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. No specific outcome, rating, or approval can be guaranteed — results depend on the individual facts of each case and applicable law.